Question

x + 17.42 % = 4697 , How much is x & how do i calculate that?

x + 0.1742 = 4697

x = 6696.8258

but,

Are you sure you didn't mean x + 17.42% of x = 4697 ?

If he had meant "x + 17,42% = 4697", then x would be 4696,8258.