To find the linear equation, we need to determine the relationship between $x$ and $y$.

From the table:

1. The difference in $y$-values is constant:
   $12 - 8 = 4$, $16 - 12 = 4$, $20 - 16 = 4$.
   This indicates the slope $m = 4$.

2. Using the slope-intercept form $y = mx + b$, where $m$ is the slope and $b$ is the y-intercept:
   Substitute one point from the table, say $(2, 8)$, into the equation to find $b$:
   $8 = 4(2) + b$ $8 = 8 + b \implies b = 0$

Thus, the equation is:

$y = 4x$

Do you want details or have any questions?

Here are five related questions to deepen your understanding:

1. How would the equation change if the slope were negative?
2. What does the slope $4$ represent in this table?
3. How can you verify that the equation works for all the given points?
4. What is the y-value when $x = 6$ using this equation?
5. How would you modify this equation if all $y$-values increased by 2?

Tip: The slope $m$ represents the change in $y$ for every unit change in $x$. Always calculate it first!