Multiply and solve for x: x (x + 12) - 8x = 14 + x (x - 4)

Using the distribution method:

x^2 + 12x - 8x = 14 + x^2 - 4x

x^2 + 4x = x^2 - 4x + 14

Now, I'm isolating x by moving all the x's onto one side of the equation:

x^2 - x^2 + 4x + 4x = 14

Combine like terms (x^2 cancels out):

8x = 14

x = 14/8

Simplified: x = 7/4