How do you solve 4^ { x - 3} = 324x3=32?

1 Answer
Nov 1, 2016

x = 11/2 = 5 1/2 = 5.5x=112=512=5.5

Explanation:

When you have a variable in the index, you are working with an exponential equation.

There are 2 types of exponential equations

  • those that can be calculated by using known powers,
  • and those that need to be calculated using logs and a calculator.

This example is an example of the former, because both bases are powers of 2.

4^(x-3) = 324x3=32

(2^2)^(x-3) = 2^5(22)x3=25

2^(2x-6) = 2^5" "larr22x6=25 if the bases are equal, the indices are equal

:. 2x-6 = 5

2x = 5+6

2x =11

x = 11/2 = 5 1/2 = 5.5