To solve the equation \(-8 + \frac{x}{3} = -12\), follow these steps:
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First, isolate the term with \(x\) on one side of the equation. Add \(8\) to both sides:
\[ -8 + \frac{x}{3} + 8 = -12 + 8 \]
This simplifies to:
\[ \frac{x}{3} = -4 \]
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Next, to eliminate the fraction, multiply both sides of the equation by \(3\):
\[ 3 \cdot \frac{x}{3} = -4 \cdot 3 \]
This simplifies to:
\[ x = -12 \]
So the solution is:
\[ \boxed{-12} \]