Solution:
We are comparing two expressions: '12 - k' and '15 - k'.
- Since 'k' is a common part being subtracted from both expressions, we can compare the minuends: 12 and 15.
- Starting with a larger number (15) and subtracting the same value 'k' will result in a larger value than starting with a smaller number (12) and subtracting 'k'. Therefore, '15 - k' will always be greater than '12 - k'.
Comparison: 12 - k < 15 - k