\[3 \cdot (x + 1) - 12 = 5x\]
\[3x + 3 - 12 = 5x\]
\[3x - 5x = 9\]
\[- 2x = 9\]
\[x = - \frac{9}{2} = - 4\frac{1}{2}\]
\[x = - 4,5.\]