3(4y + 8) = -12
First, divide both sides by 3. / Your problem should look like:
Second, since 4 goes into 3 to get 12, simplify
to 4. / Your problem should look like: 
Third, subtract 8 from both sides. / Your problem should look like:
Fourth, subtract -4 - 8 to get -12. / Your problem should look like:
Fifth, divide both sides by 4. / Your problem should look like:
Sixth, simplify
to 3. / Your problem should look like: 
Answer: y = -3
First, divide both sides by 3. / Your problem should look like:
Second, since 4 goes into 3 to get 12, simplify
Third, subtract 8 from both sides. / Your problem should look like:
Fourth, subtract -4 - 8 to get -12. / Your problem should look like:
Fifth, divide both sides by 4. / Your problem should look like:
Sixth, simplify
Answer: y = -3