Yosef did 20 push-ups
Xavier(x), Yosef(y), Zeke(z).
x+y+z=56
y+z=x
(y/2)-2=z
we plug in for z to solve for y
y+(y/2)-2=x
Combine like terms
1.5y-2=x
Plug in for x and z in terms of y in the original problem
1.5y-2+y+.5y-2=56
Add like terms
3y-4=56
Add 4 from both sides
3y=60
Divide both sides by 3
y=20