Is - 3 less than equal to or greater than - 12

It is a greater number (-3 > - 12).

Think of it like this:

Subtract the negative value from any positive value, like 20.

20 - 12 = 8

20 - 3 = 17

As you can see, the equation involving - 3 produces a larger number, meaning that the - 3 took less value away. This makes it the greater number.

-3 is greater than - 12