After 12 years, I shall be 3 times as old as I was 4 years ago. My present age is
Let the present age = x years
After 12 years, age will be = x + 12
Before 4 years, age was = x - 4
According to the question, after 12 years, I shall be 3 times as old as I was 4 years ago gives the equation- $$
x + 12 = 3(x - 4)
$$
Solving the equation, $$
x + 12 = 3(x - 4)
$$
$$
x + 12 = 3x - 12
$$
$$
x = 12
$$
Therefore, the present age is 12 years.