(5)^ -5 (5)^7

1 answer

To simplify the expression, we can use the rule of exponents that states that when dividing two numbers with the same base, we subtract the exponents.

(5)^-5 / (5)^7 = 5^(-5 - 7) = 5^-12

Now, we apply the rule that states that a negative exponent is equivalent to the reciprocal of the positive exponent.

5^-12 = 1 / 5^12

So, the simplified expression is 1 / 5^12.