If 12 = 3 * x, what is the value of x?

To find the value of ( x ) in the equation ( 12 = 3 * x ), you need to isolate ( x ). Start by dividing both sides of the equation by 3. This operation is based on the principle of maintaining equality in equations, allowing you to solve for the unknown variable.

When you divide both sides by 3, the equation transforms as follows:

[

x = \frac{12}{3}

]

Calculating ( \frac{12}{3} ) gives you 4, which means ( x = 4 ). Thus, the correct value of ( x ) is 4. This demonstrates that by systematically manipulating the equation through division, you arrive at the solution.

In this context, the other answers would not satisfy the original equation when substituted back in. Each of those values (2, 3, and 5) would yield a product that does not equal 12 when multiplied by 3, thus confirming that 4 is the only correct answer.