1. **State the problem:** Solve the equation $$\frac{1}{4}(8x + 56) = 20$$. 2. **Use the distributive property:** Multiply both sides by 4 to eliminate the fraction. $$\cancel{4} \times \frac{1}{\cancel{4}}(8x + 56) = 20 \times 4$$ which simplifies to $$8x + 56 = 80$$ 3. **Isolate the term with $x$:** Subtract 56 from both sides. $$8x + \cancel{56} - \cancel{56} = 80 - 56$$ which simplifies to $$8x = 24$$ 4. **Solve for $x$:** Divide both sides by 8. $$\frac{8x}{\cancel{8}} = \frac{24}{\cancel{8}}$$ which simplifies to $$x = 3$$ **Final answer:** $$x = 3$$