More College help: Solve the equation for x: x^2 = 12

I am still lost and do not understand this. i have to shoe the steps of how to get the answer. Solve. x^2 = 12

my high school algebra teacher is rolling over in her grave for me using the following "method" ...

\(\displaystyle \L x^2 = 12\)

\(\displaystyle \L x = \pm \sqrt{12}\)

now, the reason you get two solutions for x ...

\(\displaystyle \L x^2 = 12\)

\(\displaystyle \L x^2 - 12 = 0\)

\(\displaystyle \L (x + \sqrt{12})(x - \sqrt{12}) = 0\)

\(\displaystyle \L x = \sqrt{12}, x = -\sqrt{12}\)