Which of the following statements is true?

1. -8 is greater than -5

2. |-12| = -12

3. (-9) + (-3) = -12

4. 0 is the smallest negative integer

Checking each statement :

1. -8 is greater than -5 → false, since -8 lies to the left of -5 on the number line.

2. |-12| = -12 → false, since |-12| = 12.

3. (-9) + (-3) = -12 → true.

4. 0 is the smallest negative integer → false, since 0 is neither positive nor negative.

Hence, option 3 is the correct option.