\( 1 \leftarrow \begin{array}{l}\text { Solve. Check your solution. } \\ 3=x+12 \\ x=\square\end{array} \)

To solve the equation \(3 = x + 12\), you'll want to isolate \(x\). Start by subtracting 12 from both sides to get \(3 - 12 = x\), which simplifies to \(x = -9\). Now, let’s check the solution! Substitute \(-9\) back into the original equation: \(3 = -9 + 12\). Simplifying the right side gives \(3 = 3\), which confirms that our solution is indeed correct, so \(x = -9\). Ready for some fun facts? The concept of algebra, including solving equations like the one above, dates back thousands of years to ancient Babylonian mathematicians who used it in their calculations. They didn’t have symbols like we do today; instead, they used words and phrases - how’s that for an algebraic evolution? In real life, solving equations helps in various professions! For instance, engineers use algebra to determine the load and structural integrity of buildings, while financial analysts rely on equations to forecast trends in the stock market. So next time you're solving for \(x\), remember you're channeling skills valuable in the real world!