Twelve is the product of x and negative 4

expression : - 4x = 12

now. as it is in multiplication form when gng to the right it becomes division ...

so, x = 12/-4

∴x = - 3

The first step is to write it as an algebraic equation 12=-4x

*is always means equals when translating from words to equations also your coefficient (-4) always comes before your variable (x) *

Now solve like a regular algebraic equation

12=-4x

Divide both sides by - 4

-3=x

X=-3