book Maths Puzzle Numerical Ability

I need help solving this problem:

Problem #39: 2x+4=8

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book Other Question

how do you increase the fraction 1 1/2 I also need help with simplifying this problem:

(a^1/3 b^1/6)^2 (a^1/3 b^2/3).

I am not quite sure what to do with this. I usually dont have a problem simplifying but this is just confusing to me. Will some one help me understand it?