Let's begin by solving the right side of the equation. 2(x+12)=276-120. By the order of operations, PEMDAS (parentheses, exponents, multiplication, division, addition, subtraction), 276 must happen first. We can rewrite the equation as 2(x+12)=(276)-120. 276=162. Let's continue. 2(x+12)=162-120. 162-120=42. So, 2(x+12)=42. Now, we have to isolate x. Let's start by dividing out the 2 on BOTH sides of the equation, to use inverse operations: 2(x+12)/2=42/2. x+12=21. Finally, subtract 12 from both sides. x+12-12=21-12. x=9.
Answer: x=9
