Answer :

So first, you have to remember the order of operations. That means that whatever is in the parentheses is what has to be done first
However, because one of the numbers in the parentheses is a variable and the other isn't, we can distribute instead
Therefore, 3(12+4x) distributes by multiplying the 3 into both numbers in the parentheses. So we get 36+12x
Now the equation is 20=8+36+12x
Now, bring all numbers without variables on the left side

20-8-36=8-8+36-36+12x
20-8-36=12x

Now simplify

20-8-36=12x
12-36=12x
-24=12x

Divide both sides by 12, and you get x=-2

Hope this helped!!! :D
iGreen
20 = 8 + 3(12 + 4x)

First, distribute 3:

20 = 8 + 36 + 12x

Add:

20 = 44 + 12x

Subtract 44 to both sides:

-24 = 12x

Divide 12 to both sides:

x = -2