(1)当点C在线段AB上时,如图1,∵AB=12cm,BC=6cm,∴AC=AB-BC=6cm,∵M是AC的中点,∴AM= 1 2 AC,∴AM= 1 2 ×6cm=3cm;(2)当点C在线段AB的延长线上时,如图2,∵AB=12cm,BC=6cm,∴AC=AB+BC=18cm,∵M是AC的中点,∴AM= 1 2 AC,∴AM= 1 2 ×18cm=9cm,∴线段AM的长为3cm或9cm.