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

1 answer

The missing number in this simplified exponential expression is 7.

To find the missing number, we can use the exponent rule that states "when dividing two exponential expressions with the same base, subtract the exponents."

In this case, we have 7^? / 7^5 = 7^12.

Using the exponent rule, we subtract the exponents:
? - 5 = 12.

Adding 5 to both sides of the equation, we get ? = 17.

Therefore, the missing number is 17.