the difference of 3 times a number and 12 is -12

Answer 1

3(x-12) = -12

3x-36 =-12

3x = 24

x = 24/3=8 is probably the solution you want

but the problem is a little ambiguous

it could mean 3(12-x)=-12

then x=16

or it could mean

3 times a number and then subtract 12 to get -12,

then

3x-12 =-12

and x = 0

x=0,8 or 16

but odds are you want x=8 even if technically incorrect.

x=0 is the solution to a literal interpretation of the problem, as written, using PEMDAS, with multiplication before subtraction

It all depends on whether the instructor or textbook is into trick questions