How to do this problem 3 (4x-2) equals 12x plus 1

"Do the problem" means find out what number 'x' must be

in order to make the equation a true statement.

You said 3 (4x - 2) = 12x + 1

Eliminate the parentheses on the left: 12x - 6 = 12x + 1

Subtract 12x from each side: - 6 = + 1

Here's where we stop. There is no value for 'x' that can make - 6 = 1.

The original equation has no solution.