How do you solve 3x = 12?

To solve \(3x = 12\), divide both sides of the equation by 3 to find \(x = 4\).

To break it down further, solving the equation \(3x = 12\) involves isolating the variable \(x\). The goal is to get \(x\) by itself on one side of the equation. Here, \(3x\) means 3 times \(x\). To undo this multiplication, you need to do the opposite operation, which is division.

Start by dividing both sides of the equation by 3:
\[ \frac{3x}{3} = \frac{12}{3} \]

When you divide \(3x\) by 3, the 3s cancel out, leaving you with \(x\):
\[ x = \frac{12}{3} \]

Next, perform the division on the right side of the equation:
\[ x = 4 \]

So, \(x = 4\) is the solution to the equation \(3x = 12\). This means that if you substitute \(x\) with 4 in the original equation, both sides will be equal:
\[ 3(4) = 12 \]
\[ 12 = 12 \]

This confirms that the solution is correct. Remember, the key steps are to perform the same operation on both sides of the equation to maintain balance and isolate the variable.