1. **State the problem:** Solve the linear equation $4y - 7 = 5$ for $y$. 2. **Add 7 to both sides:** $$4y - 7 + 7 = 5 + 7$$ $$4y = 12$$ 3. **Divide both sides by 4 to isolate $y$:** $$y = \frac{12}{4}$$ 4. **Simplify the fraction:** $$y = 3$$ **Final answer:** $y = 3$