1. **State the problem:** Solve the equation $$3(x + 7) = -12$$ for $$x$$. 2. **Isolate the term inside the parentheses:** Divide both sides of the equation by 3 to get $$x + 7$$ alone. $$\frac{3(x + 7)}{\cancel{3}} = \frac{-12}{\cancel{3}}$$ This simplifies to: $$x + 7 = -4$$ 3. **Solve for $$x$$:** Subtract 7 from both sides to isolate $$x$$. $$x + 7 - 7 = -4 - 7$$ $$x = -11$$ **Final answers:** $$x + 7 = -4$$ $$x = -11$$