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6.3 Solving Exponential Equations: Math 3201

The document discusses various methods for solving exponential equations, including using properties of exponents to set the bases and exponents of both sides equal, graphing exponential functions to find the intersection point, and applying exponent rules when bases are powers of each other or when terms involve radicals or fractions. It provides examples of each type and recommends textbook questions for additional practice.

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Matematika Ssv
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221 views8 pages

6.3 Solving Exponential Equations: Math 3201

The document discusses various methods for solving exponential equations, including using properties of exponents to set the bases and exponents of both sides equal, graphing exponential functions to find the intersection point, and applying exponent rules when bases are powers of each other or when terms involve radicals or fractions. It provides examples of each type and recommends textbook questions for additional practice.

Uploaded by

Matematika Ssv
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Math 3201

6.3 Solving Exponential Equations

In Grade 9, Math 1201 and Math 2201, we looked at solving equations in which a variable
was raised to an exponent.

Example 1:
Solve for 𝑥:
𝑥 2 = 64

Now, we will learn how to solve equations in which the variable is part of the exponent.

Recall from Math 1201 we learned about prime factorization and exponents. For example,
since 2 × 2 × 2 = 8, we can write 8 as 23 . This logic is what you need to solve exponential
equations. You might find it helpful to think about the definition of an exponent, and also to
consider how this type of equation differs from the one we saw in the last example.

Consider the following comparison between the two examples:

The first example 𝑥 2 = 64 is an example of a polynomial function. The variable x gets


multiplied by itself two times to give 64.

The second example 2𝑥 = 64 is an example of an exponential function. The base 2 gets


multiplied by itself "𝑥" times to give 64.

Example 1:
Write as an exponent with lowest terms base:

(A) 16

(B) 27
(C) 64

(D) 125

A New Exponent Law


If we have two powers that are equal to each other and their bases are the same, then their
exponents must be equal.

Case 1: The Bases are Already the Same

Example 2:
Solve for 𝑥:

(A)
3𝑥 = 32

(B)
56 = 5𝑥

(C)
4𝑥+1 = 46

(D)
22𝑥+3 = 24𝑥−1
Exponential equations could also be solved graphically:

Example 3:
Solve 3𝑥 = 32

Graph 𝑦 = 3𝑥 and 𝑦 = 32 on the same grid and find the intersection point. The 𝑥-value of
the intersection point is the solution to the equation.

Example 4:
Use the graph to determine the solution for 3𝑥+1 = 9, then verify algebraically:
Case 2: The Bases are NOT Already the Same, but are Powers of One Another
Replace one or both base with a power, so that the powers on both sides of the equation
will have the same base.

Example 5:
Solve for 𝑥:

(A)
2𝑥−1 = 8

(B)
3𝑥−4 = 9𝑥+1

(C)
42𝑥+3 = 164𝑥−5

(D)
4𝑥+1 = 83𝑥−1
Exponential Equations Involving Radicals
Replace the radical with an exponent.

Recall that
1 1 1
3 4
√𝑥 = 𝑥 2 , √𝑥 = 𝑥 3 , √𝑥 = 𝑥 4 …

Example 6:
Solve for 𝑥:

√8 = 23𝑥−4

Exponential Equations Involving Fractions


Replace the fraction with a power involving a negative exponent .

Recall that
1
= 𝑥 −1
𝑥

Example 7:
Solve for 𝑥:

1
= 3𝑥+4
9
Power is Multiplied by a Constant
Divide each side by the constant and then solve the resulting exponential equation.

Example 8:
Solve for 𝑥:

4(2)𝑥−1 = 8

Try these:

(A)
52𝑥+1 = 25

(B)
2𝑥 = 128
(C)
274𝑥 = 9𝑥+1

(D)
√5 = 253𝑥+4

(E)
2𝑥−2
1 𝑥−1
5 =( )
25
(F)
1
= 2𝑥−5
8

(G)
1 𝑥−3
162𝑥+1 = ( )
2

(H)
3(9)5𝑥 = 27

Textbook Questions: page 361 - 363 #2, 4, 5, 7 (solve all algebraically)

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