1. **State the problem:** Solve the equation $\frac{m}{3} = -12$ for $m$. 2. **Formula and rule:** To isolate $m$, multiply both sides of the equation by 3, because $m$ is divided by 3. 3. **Multiply both sides by 3:** $$\cancel{3} \times \frac{m}{\cancel{3}} = -12 \times 3$$ 4. **Simplify:** $$m = -36$$ 5. **Answer:** The solution to the equation is $m = -36$. This means when $m$ is $-36$, the original equation holds true.