1. How to Solve Exponential Equations
Steps
1. Write each side with the same base.
2. Simplify using the rules of exponents.
3. Set the exponents equal to each other & solve for x.
“If the bases are the same, cancel them out!”
Example 1
2x+4=25x
x+4 = 5x
-x x
4 = 4x
x = 1
Example 2
3x-1 = 27x
3x-1 = (33)x
3x-1 = 33x
x-1 = 3x
-1 = 2x
x = -½
©2010, Dr. Jennifer L. Bell, LaGrange High School, LaGrange, Georgia adapted from various sources (MCC9-12.A.SSE.3; MCC9-12.A.SSE.3c)