Chapter 1 - Section 1.3 - Applications of Linear Equations - 1.3 Exercises - Page 74: 23

$x=\dfrac{51}{11}$

With an equal sign, the given is an $\text{ equation }.$ Using $a(b+c)=ab+ac$ or the Distributive Property and then combining like terms, the solution to the given equation, $ 5(x+3)-8(2x-6)=12 ,$ is \begin{array}{l}\require{cancel} 5x+15-16x+48=12 \\\\ 5x-16x=12-15-48 \\\\ -11x=-51 \\\\ x=\dfrac{-51}{-11} \\\\ x=\dfrac{51}{11} .\end{array}