Question

when 12 is added to a number the result is 32 less than 3 times the number. what is the number ?

Answer 1

If we call the number x, we can write an equation:
x + 12 = 3x - 32
and now we can solve
- x
12 = 2x - 32
+ 32
44 = 2x
÷ 2
22 = x

So your answer is 22, I hope this helps!

Answer 2

the formula would be 

x+12 = (x-32)÷3