-When reading any math problem, first understand the vocabulary.
-Let's look at the key components of this problem:
The difference between a number and 12 is 20
difference means "subtract"
a number is the unknown, so we call it "x"
is means "="
-Now let's put it all together:
x - 12 = 20
-If it asks to solve for "x":
x - 12 = 20
x = 32
You did it!
P.S. Here are a couple of additional resources to help you with these types of problems:
https://www.palmbeachstate.edu/prepmathlw/Documents/translatingkeywords.pdf
https://www.chipola.edu/instruct/math/ClassMaterials/MAT%200024%20094/Chapter%202%20094/Sect%202.5a%20094.pdf
