4(x-3) = 4

4x-12=4

4x=12+4

4x=16

16 / 4= 4

4(x-3) = 4

Divide both sides by 4,

x-3 = 1

Add 3 to both sides,

x = 4 <==Answer

4(x-3) = 4.

Well, you know 4 x 1 =4, so in this case say x-3=1.  You don't even have to expand it to know the answer is 4, and it's that easy!  

You can distribute it to say 4x-12=4 and solve from there, but I like to take the easy route when I notice shortcuts.  Why do more work when you can get the answer an easier way, right? 

As always, we can double check our answer. We are going to put our answer 4 in place of x so the equation reads 4 (4-3) = 4.  This becomes 4(1) = 4, which is true! Voila you did it