Question

The product of 9 and a number is 12 less than three times that number.

Can anyone explain what the problem is? I dont understand what its asking

Answer 1

9x = 3x - 12
-3x -3x
6x = -12
6 6
x = -2

Answer 2

`n-the\ a\ number\\\\9n=3n-12\ \ \ \ |subtract\ 3n\ from\ both\ sides\\6n=-12\ \ \ \ \ |divide\ both\ sides\ by\ 6\\\boxed{n=-2}`