Find the value of x to make this exponential equation true. 5 to the power of x divided by 5 to the power of 5 equals 5 to the power of 12

1 answer

To solve the equation

\[ \frac{5^x}{5^5} = 5^{12}, \]

we can apply the properties of exponents. Recall that when we divide two powers with the same base, we subtract the exponents:

\[ \frac{5^a}{5^b} = 5^{a-b}. \]

Using this property, we rewrite the left side of the equation:

\[ 5^{x - 5} = 5^{12}. \]

Since the bases are the same, we can set the exponents equal to each other:

\[ x - 5 = 12. \]

Now, to solve for \( x \), we add 5 to both sides:

\[ x = 12 + 5, \]

which simplifies to

\[ x = 17. \]

Thus, the value of \( x \) that makes the equation true is

\[ \boxed{17}. \]