Is the expression a^12 x a^4 equivalent to a^8 x a^8

Actually Welcome to the Concept of the Properties of indices.

Here, we have to prove that, if the above exponential equation are equal or not., let's prove it

1.)L.H.S

a^12*a^4 = a^m*a^n ===> a^(m+n)

hence, a^(12+4) ===> a^(16)

2.) R.H.S

===> a^8*a^8 = a^(8+8) ==> a^(16)

since here, LHS = RHS

so both are equal.

fist on the left goes with the third on the right. second on the left goes with the fourth on the right. third on the left goes with the second on the right. the fourth on the left goes with first on the right