1. **State the problem:** Solve the equation $$6a + 12 = 2(3a - 8)$$ for the variable $a$. 2. **Write the formula and rules:** To solve equations with variables on both sides, first expand parentheses, then collect like terms on each side, and finally isolate the variable by performing inverse operations. 3. **Expand the right side:** $$6a + 12 = 2 \times 3a - 2 \times 8$$ $$6a + 12 = 6a - 16$$ 4. **Subtract $6a$ from both sides to get variables on one side:** $$6a + 12 - \cancel{6a} = 6a - 16 - \cancel{6a}$$ $$12 = -16$$ 5. **Analyze the result:** The statement $$12 = -16$$ is false, which means there is no value of $a$ that satisfies the equation. 6. **Conclusion:** The equation has **no solution**. **Final answer:** No solution.