To begin solving this equation, subtract 4 from both sides to end with |2x + 6| = 4 (with absolute value questions, always isolate the number or function on one side). Now, split this equation into two equations: 2x+6=4 and 2x+6=-4 (make the non-absolute value side of the equation both negative and positive), and solve the two separate equations. You should get x = -1 and x = -5. Add these two values together to get the answer: -6.