1. Let's start by stating the problem: You want to see how both sides of an equation are divided by 12. 2. Suppose we have an equation of the form $$12x = 36$$. 3. The goal is to isolate $x$ by dividing both sides of the equation by 12. 4. The rule is: whatever you do to one side of the equation, you must do to the other side to keep it balanced. 5. Dividing both sides by 12 gives: $$\frac{12x}{12} = \frac{36}{12}$$ 6. Simplifying both sides: $$x = 3$$ 7. So, dividing both sides by 12 cancels the 12 on the left side, leaving $x$ alone, and divides 36 by 12 on the right side, giving 3. This is how both sides are divided by 12 to solve for $x$.