The given function is of the form $f(x) = k \cdot 3^{\frac{x}{k}}$. We need to determine the constant $k$ using the provided values, and then use it to find the unknown $y$ for $x = 12$.

Step 1: Set up the equation using known values.

Let's use $x = 2$ and $f(2) = 6$ to find $k$.

$f(2) = k \cdot 3^{\frac{2}{k}} = 6$

So, we have the equation:

$k \cdot 3^{\frac{2}{k}} = 6$

Step 2: Solve for $k$.

This equation is transcendental and typically requires numerical methods or iterative approaches to solve. However, let me try to approximate $k$.

We'll solve this equation numerically to find $k$.The value of $k$ is approximately 2.

Step 3: Use the value of $k$ to find $y$ when $x = 12$.

Given the function $f(x) = 2 \cdot 3^{\frac{x}{2}}$, we can now find $y$ for $x = 12$:

$y = f(12) = 2 \cdot 3^{\frac{12}{2}} = 2 \cdot 3^6$

Let's calculate $y$.The value of $y$ when $x = 12$ is $1458$.

Would you like more details or have any questions?

Here are some related questions you might find interesting:

1. What is the general form of exponential functions and how do they differ from linear functions?
2. How do you solve transcendental equations like the one used to find $k$ here?
3. What numerical methods can be used to solve equations that cannot be solved algebraically?
4. How does the base of an exponential function affect the shape of its graph?
5. How do different values of the constant $k$ affect the growth rate of the function $f(x)$?
6. What are some real-world applications of exponential functions?
7. How can you approximate the solutions to transcendental equations without using a computer?
8. What is the significance of the function $f(x) = k \cdot 3^{\frac{x}{k}}$ in mathematical modeling?

Tip: When dealing with transcendental equations, numerical methods like Newton's method or using software tools can provide quick and accurate solutions.