To solve the equation \( x \times (y - 3) = -12 \), we can isolate one of the variables in terms of the other. Let's solve for \( x \) in terms of \( y \):

\[ x \times (y - 3) = -12 \]

Divide both sides by \( (y - 3) \):

\[ x = \frac{-12}{y - 3} \]

So, \( x \) is expressed in terms of \( y \):

\[ x = \frac{-12}{y - 3} \]

Alternatively, if you want to solve for \( y \) in terms of \( x \):

\[ x \times (y - 3) = -12 \]

Divide both sides by \( x \):

\[ y - 3 = \frac{-12}{x} \]

Add 3 to both sides:

\[ y = \frac{-12}{x} + 3 \]

So, \( y \) is expressed in terms of \( x \):

\[ y = \frac{-12}{x} + 3 \]

These are the solutions for \( x \) in terms of \( y \) and for \( y \) in terms of \( x \).