To solve for the missing number in the expression \( \frac{7^?}{7^5} = 7^{12} \), we can use the properties of exponents.
When dividing like bases, we subtract the exponents:
\[ \frac{7^a}{7^b} = 7^{a-b} \]
Applying this to our expression:
\[ \frac{7^?}{7^5} = 7^{? - 5} \]
Setting this equal to the right side of the equation, we have:
\[ 7^{? - 5} = 7^{12} \]
Since the bases are the same, we can set the exponents equal to each other:
\[ ? - 5 = 12 \]
Now, we solve for \( ? \):
\[ ? = 12 + 5 = 17 \]
Thus, the missing number is \( \boxed{17} \).
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