y = 8 + 4 x; the total cost, y, of buying a single copy of a book that costs $8 and x copies of a book that costs $4
y = 8 + 4 x; the total weight, y, of a suitcase weighing 8 pounds that contains 4 pairs of pants weighing x pounds each
y=8 – 4 x; the total amount of water, y, left in a glass that started with 8 ounces, after 4 ounce servings are poured into x glasses
y=8 – 4 x; the total distance, y, left from the 8-mile relay after 4 people have each run a distance of x miles each