To solve for the missing number in the expression \( \frac{7^{?}}{7^5} = 7^{12} \), we can use the properties of exponents.
Using the rule \( \frac{a^m}{a^n} = a^{m-n} \), we can rewrite the left side of the equation:
\[ 7^{? - 5} = 7^{12} \]
Now, since the bases are the same, we can set the exponents equal to each other:
\[ ? - 5 = 12 \]
To find the missing number, we add 5 to both sides:
\[ ? = 12 + 5 \]
\[ ? = 17 \]
So, the missing number is indeed 17, making the statement "the answer is 17" true.