Apply the product rule of integer exponents to find the numerical equivalent of 12^-15 • 12^7 .

1 answer

To apply the product rule of integer exponents, we use the rule that states:

\[ a^m \cdot a^n = a^{m+n} \]

In this case, we have:

\[ 12^{-15} \cdot 12^{7} \]

Here, \(a = 12\), \(m = -15\), and \(n = 7\). According to the product rule:

\[ 12^{-15} \cdot 12^{7} = 12^{-15 + 7} = 12^{-8} \]

Next, we can find the numerical equivalent of \(12^{-8}\). Remember that a negative exponent indicates the reciprocal:

\[ 12^{-8} = \frac{1}{12^{8}} \]

Now, we can compute \(12^{8}\):

\[ 12^8 = (12^4)^2 \]

Calculating \(12^4\):

\[ 12^4 = 20736 \]

Now, squaring \(12^4\):

\[ 12^8 = 20736^2 \]

Calculating \(20736^2\):

\[ 20736^2 = 429981696 \]

Thus,

\[ 12^{-8} = \frac{1}{429981696} \]

So the numerical equivalent of \(12^{-15} \cdot 12^{7}\) is:

\[ \frac{1}{429981696} \]

Therefore, the final answer is:

\[ 12^{-15} \cdot 12^{7} = 12^{-8} = \frac{1}{429981696} \]