Working Backwards Solution:
If Meg deposited 4/5 of her money, she kept 1/5 to spend. Therefore, $12 is 1/5 of what she earned. When a fractional part of an amount is calculated, multiplication is the operation used. Since $12 is 1/5 of Meg's earnings, multiply by the inverse, 5/1, of what she earned. $12 x 5 = $60. She earned $60.