The product rule of exponents states that when multiplying two numbers with the same base, you add the exponents. In other words, a^m * a^n = a^(m+n).
In this case, we have 12^-5 * 12^7. Since the base, 12, is the same, we can apply the product rule of exponents.
First, we add the exponents: (-5) + 7 = 2.
So, 12^-5 * 12^7 can be simplified to 12^2.
To find the numerical equivalent of 12^2, we simply calculate 12^2 as follows:
12^2 = 12 * 12 = 144.
Therefore, the numerical equivalent of 12^-5 * 12^7 is 144.
Apply the product rule of exponents to find the numerical equivalent of 12^-5 x 12^7. Show your work and explain how you used the product rule of integer exponents
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