2 (x + 7) = 20
The '2' operates on everything inside the parentheses.
So if you want to remove the parentheses ... a good idea ..
you have to change it to 2x + 14.
Now the equation says
2x + 14 = 20
Subtract 14
from each side: 2x = 6
Divide each side by 2: x = 3