What is the value of y in the equation 2(3y + 6 + 3) = 196 − 16?
27
29
30
33

I find plugging the answers more effective than doing the reverse because doing the reverse takes more work.
A is correct, as if you do the work right, 180=180. 
I just happened to get lucky it being the first answer.

The answer is 27. Combine like terms. In this case it is just a matter of getting the y by itself. 2(3y + 6 +3) = 6y + 12 + 6 and 196 - 16 = 180, so 6y + 18 = 180. 6y = 162 (after you subtract 18 from both sides. 6y/6 = y. 162/6 =27.
So, y = 27. Check you answer. 27 * 6 = 162.