1. Stating the problem: We need to find the number that fits in the blank in the equation $$56 + 40 = \square \times (7 + 5)$$. 2. Simplify the left side: $$56 + 40 = 96$$. 3. Simplify the right side inside the parentheses: $$7 + 5 = 12$$. 4. Rewrite the equation with these values: $$96 = \square \times 12$$. 5. To find the blank, divide both sides by 12: $$\square = \frac{96}{12}$$. 6. Calculate the division: $$\square = 8$$. Final answer: The number that fits in the blank is **8**.