5^-6 x 5^? = 5^12

We can write this equation as an exponential equation:

5^-6 x 5^x = 5^12

To solve for x, we can use the property of exponents that states: a^m x a^n = a^(m+n)

Using this property, we can combine the bases of 5:

5^-6 x 5^x = 5^(12+6)

Now, we have the same base on both sides of the equation, which means the exponents must be equal:

-x + 6 = 12 + 6

Simplifying the right side:

-x + 6 = 18

Subtracting 6 from both sides:

-x = 18 - 6

-x = 12

To solve for x, we can multiply both sides of the equation by -1, to get:

x = -12

Therefore, x = -12.

x^3 * x^? = x^15

We can simplify the equation using the property of exponents that states: x^m * x^n = x^(m+n).

Using this property, we can rewrite the equation as:

x^3 * x^a = x^15

Now, we have the same base on both sides of the equation, which means the exponents must be equal:

3 + a = 15

Subtracting 3 from both sides:

a = 15 - 3

a = 12

Therefore, the missing exponent (represented by "?") is 12.

2^2 * 2^? = 2^13

We can simplify the equation using the property of exponents that states: a^m * a^n = a^(m+n).

Using this property, we can rewrite the equation as:

2^2 * 2^a = 2^13

Now, we have the same base on both sides of the equation, which means the exponents must be equal:

2 + a = 13

Subtracting 2 from both sides:

a = 13 - 2

a = 11

Therefore, the missing exponent (represented by "?") is 11.

simplify 8^18/8^-2

When dividing two terms with the same base, we can use the property of exponents that states a^m / a^n = a^(m - n).

Using this property, we can rewrite the expression as:

8^18 / 8^-2 = 8^(18 - (-2))

Simplifying the exponent:

= 8^(18 + 2)

= 8^20

Therefore, 8^18 / 8^-2 simplifies to 8^20.

z^?/z^4 = z^16

Using the property of exponents that states a^m / a^n = a^(m - n), we can rewrite the expression as:

z^? / z^4 = z^(? - 4)

According to the given equation, this should be equal to z^16:

z^(? - 4) = z^16

To solve for the missing exponent, we can equate the exponents:

? - 4 = 16

Adding 4 to both sides:

? = 20

Therefore, the missing exponent (represented by "?") is 20.

simplify y^19/y^8