To solve the equation \(-12(x + 10) = -3\), the first operation to perform would be to divide both sides of the equation by \(-12\) in order to isolate the term with \(x\).
None of the options list dividing by \(-12\). However, if I consider reducing the equation, multiplying by \(-1\) or dividing out the common factor is the operation to simplify.
If considering the options provided, and looking for an interim simplification: dividing both sides by \(-3\) could lead to \(4(x + 10) = 1\).
But more importantly, the first step in the mathematical operation could be viewed as checking for simplifying factors like \(-2\), as that would lead to \(6(x + 10) = -1\) in a multipliers context.
From your original options, to answer your specific question on what the first operation should be, it would be none of the provided options specifically states dividing by \(-12\). However, breaking down the parts could lead someone to see this pathway of multiplying or dividing factors leading to \( -2 \) contexts.
I'd recommend keeping it simple. The direct answer isn't noted clearly; the first operation would ideally be divide by -12 to fully isolate x effectively.
If forced to choose from your options for a simplifying view: divide by -2 could do some work to see x clear perspectives but may miss direct application. However, mathematically referencing, it would seem to diverge contextually slightly as no direct incremental simplification here serves as a first operation directly executable based on numbers fundamentally.
In conclusion, follow through by taking any initial division or transformation approach as needed to steadily support reducing complex forms down accurately to \(x\).
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