What is the missing number in this simplified exponential expression: 7^?÷7^5=7^12?

1 answer

To solve the equation 7?75=712, we can use the properties of exponents. According to the rules of exponents, when dividing two expressions with the same base, you subtract their exponents:

7m7n=7mn

Applying this to our equation gives us:

7?75=7?5

Set this equal to 712:

7?5=712

Since the bases are the same, we can equate the exponents:

?5=12

To find the value of ?, we add 5 to both sides:

?=12+5=17

Thus, the missing number is:

17