1. **State the problem:** Simplify the expression $$\frac{8 - 5}{x - 12} = 51 = 5$$. 2. **Analyze the expression:** The expression as given is ambiguous because it shows $$\frac{8 - 5}{x - 12} = 51 = 5$$ which is not a standard equation format. We will interpret the first part $$\frac{8 - 5}{x - 12}$$ and simplify it. 3. **Simplify the numerator:** $$8 - 5 = 3$$. 4. **Rewrite the expression:** $$\frac{3}{x - 12}$$. 5. **Since the rest of the expression $$= 51 = 5$$ is unclear and contradictory, we focus on simplifying the fraction only.** **Final simplified expression:** $$\frac{3}{x - 12}$$