How do you solve #e^ { 1- 4x } = e ^ { 5x - 7}#?

1 Answer
Jul 26, 2017

See a solution process below:

Explanation:

Because #e# is constant on each side of the equation we need to solve:

#1 - 4x = 5x - 7#

First, add #color(red)(4x)# and #color(blue)(7)# to each side of the equation to isolate the #x# term while keeping the equation balanced:

#1 - 4x + color(red)(4x) + color(blue)(7) = 5x - 7 + color(red)(4x) + color(blue)(7)#

#1 + color(blue)(7) - 4x + color(red)(4x) = 5x + color(red)(4x) - 7 + color(blue)(7)#

#8 - 0 = (5 + color(red)(4))x - 0#

#8 = 9x#

Now, divide each side of the equation by #color(red)(9)# to solve for #x# while keeping the equation balanced:

#8/color(red)(9) = (9x)/color(red)(9)#

#8/9 = (color(red)(cancel(color(black)(9)))x)/cancel(color(red)(9))#

#8/9 = x#

#x = 8/9#