1. **State the problem:** Solve the equation $6x + 2 + 6x = 74$ for $x$. 2. **Combine like terms:** The terms $6x$ and $6x$ are like terms and can be added together. $$6x + 6x = 12x$$ So the equation becomes: $$12x + 2 = 74$$ 3. **Isolate the variable term:** Subtract 2 from both sides to get the term with $x$ alone on one side. $$12x + 2 - 2 = 74 - 2$$ $$12x = 72$$ 4. **Solve for $x$:** Divide both sides by 12 to isolate $x$. $$\frac{12x}{\cancel{12}} = \frac{72}{\cancel{12}}$$ $$x = 6$$ 5. **Check the solution:** Substitute $x=6$ back into the original equation. $$6(6) + 2 + 6(6) = 36 + 2 + 36 = 74$$ The left side equals the right side, so $x=6$ is the correct solution.