I need to write an equation for:

ten times the sum of half a number and 6 is 8

Let's start with the easy part of this equation. We know it will end with = 8 because of the the phrase "is 8". Now let's work backwards, starting with the sum of half a number and 6. In this example, we will represent "a number" with x. To take half a number is to divide it by 2, so half a number would be x/2. The phrasing "the sum of" indicates addition, therefore the sum of half a number and 6 would be represented by x/2+6. Now for the the first part of the equation, ten times. This phrasing indicates multiplication, and so we will multiply 10 by the remainder of the equation, This gives us the answer of 10 (x/2+6). Now all you have to do is add the equals sign and answer to make this expression and equation, and you get 10 (x/2 + 6) = 8