1. **State the problem:** Simplify the expression $$\frac{7^8 \times 7^4}{7^2}$$ and express it in the form $$7^a$$. 2. **Recall the exponent rules:** - When multiplying powers with the same base, add the exponents: $$x^m \times x^n = x^{m+n}$$. - When dividing powers with the same base, subtract the exponents: $$\frac{x^m}{x^n} = x^{m-n}$$. 3. **Apply the multiplication rule to the numerator:** $$7^8 \times 7^4 = 7^{8+4} = 7^{12}$$. 4. **Rewrite the expression:** $$\frac{7^{12}}{7^2}$$. 5. **Apply the division rule:** $$7^{12-2} = 7^{10}$$. 6. **Final answer:** $$a = 10$$, so the expression simplifies to $$7^{10}$$.