Correct answer: C. (10)
Explanation: The direct answer is option C, 10. For a permutation, the first position has 12 choices, the second has 11 choices because one object has already been used, and the third has 10 choices because two objects have been used. Thus, \(^{12}P_3=12\times11\times10\), so the last factor is 10. Option A, 12, is the first factor, not the last. Option B, 11, is the second factor. Option C, 10, is correct because it equals \(12-3+1\). Option D, 9, would be one factor too far; only three factors are required. The useful general pattern is \(^{n}P_r=n(n-1)(n-2)\cdots(n-r+1)\). Memory cue: for three selections, count down from \(n\) three times; the last number is \(n-2\).