Warmup Simplify: 1) 2)

Homework Check

Solving Exponential Equations and Inequalities

Solving Exponential Equations We know that in exponential functions the exponent is a variable. When we wish to solve for that variable we have two approaches we can take. One approach is to use a logarithm. The second is to make use of the Equality Property for Exponential Functions.

The Equality Property for Exponential Functions Basically, this states that if the bases are the same, then we can simply set the exponents equal. This property is quite useful when we are trying to solve equations involving exponential functions. Let’s try a few examples to see how it works.

Example 1:

Memorize

Let’s make the bases the same! Uh-oh… bases are not the same! Let’s make the bases the same!

When you rewrite it, ALWAYS MAKE THE “BIG” NUMBER SMALLER!!! Example 2: (Let’s solve it now) Ask yourself: Is 27 the same as 33? We’re not changing the problem – we are simply rewriting it. When you rewrite it, ALWAYS MAKE THE “BIG” NUMBER SMALLER!!!

Example 3 Example 4

Example 5 Example 6

Example 7

Class work Solving Exponential Functions Worksheet

Homework Practice WS