X will equal 8 and y would equal 3
<span>First, calculate the difference between 15 and 12. The operation, subtraction, will give us the answer of 3. Then, divide the calculated value by 12 since this it the theoretical length of the nail. Multiply the quotient by 100% to arrive to the final answer. That is (3/12)(100%). The final answer to this item is 25% which is the last choice. </span>
When you multiply a same number but with different powers, you can simply add the powers together. So, in your question, add the powers -1 and -7 together.
7^(-1) x 7^(-7) = 7^(-8)
When you divide a same number but with different powers, you subtract the power at the top with the power from the denominator. So, -8 - (-7) = -1.
7^(-8) / 7^(-7) = 7^(-1)
So your answer would be 7^(-1).
Hopefully my explanation was clear?
