1. **State the problem:** Solve the equation $$3(x + 5) = 12$$ for $$x$$. 2. **Use the distributive property:** Multiply 3 by each term inside the parentheses. $$3 \times x + 3 \times 5 = 12$$ which simplifies to $$3x + 15 = 12$$ 3. **Isolate the variable term:** Subtract 15 from both sides to get $$3x + 15 - 15 = 12 - 15$$ which simplifies to $$3x = -3$$ 4. **Solve for $$x$$:** Divide both sides by 3. $$\frac{3x}{\cancel{3}} = \frac{-3}{\cancel{3}}$$ which simplifies to $$x = -1$$ 5. **Answer:** The solution to the equation is $$x = -1$$. This matches the choice -1 in the multiple-choice options.