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

Answer 1

The missing number is 7.

To solve for the missing number, you can use the property of exponents that states "when dividing two powers with the same base, you subtract the exponents."

So in this case, you subtract the exponent of 7^5 from the exponent of 7^12:

7^? ÷ 7^5 = 7^12
7^(? - 5) = 7^12

Since the bases are the same (7), the exponents must also be the same. Therefore, ? - 5 = 12.
Solving for ?, you add 5 to both sides of the equation:

? - 5 + 5 = 12 + 5
? = 17

Therefore, the missing number is 17.