Apply the product rule of integer exponents to find the numerical equivalent of 12^-5 x 12^7 and show your work and explain how you used the product rule of integer exponents, keep it short but readable
To apply the product rule of integer exponents, we can add the exponents when multiplying two terms with the same base. In this case, we have 12^-5 multiplied by 12^7.
The product rule states that when multiplying two terms with the same base, add the exponents. So, to find the numerical equivalent, we can add -5 and 7, which gives us 2.
Therefore, 12^-5 x 12^7 is equal to 12^2.
As for the calculation, let's simplify it further:
12^-5 x 12^7 = (1/12^5) x (12^7)
= 1/12^(5-7)
= 1/12^-2
= 12^2
So, the numerical equivalent of 12^-5 x 12^7 is 12^2.