1. **State the problem:** Solve for $x$ in the linear equation $$3(2x + 4) = 18$$. 2. **Use the distributive property:** Multiply 3 by each term inside the parentheses: $$3 \times 2x + 3 \times 4 = 6x + 12$$. 3. **Rewrite the equation:** $$6x + 12 = 18$$. 4. **Isolate the variable term:** Subtract 12 from both sides: $$6x + 12 - 12 = 18 - 12$$ $$6x = 6$$. 5. **Solve for $x$:** Divide both sides by 6: $$x = \frac{6}{6} = 1$$. **Final answer:** $$x = 1$$