1. **State the problem:** Solve the equation $$-12 = -2(2x - 5) - 22$$ for $x$. 2. **Use the distributive property:** Multiply $-2$ by each term inside the parentheses: $$-2(2x - 5) = -4x + 10$$ 3. **Rewrite the equation:** Substitute the distributed terms back: $$-12 = -4x + 10 - 22$$ 4. **Simplify the right side:** Combine like terms $10 - 22$: $$-12 = -4x - 12$$ 5. **Isolate the variable term:** Add $12$ to both sides: $$-12 + 12 = -4x - 12 + 12$$ $$0 = -4x$$ 6. **Solve for $x$:** Divide both sides by $-4$: $$\frac{0}{-4} = x$$ $$x = 0$$ **Final answer:** $x = 0$