x = number of DVDs
1 DVD costs $1.95 to rent
x DVDs cost 1.95x dollars to rent
tack on the membership fee of 4.95 and the total cost is 1.95x+4.95
set this equal to 42 and solve for x
1.95x+4.95 = 42
1.95x+4.95-4.95 = 42-4.95
1.95x = 37.05
1.95x/1.95 = 37.05/1.95
x = 19
So Shanti can rent 19 DVDs