How do you solve 4^x = 12?

1 Answer
Mar 11, 2018

x=1.79

Explanation:

Apply the log_4 on both sides of the equation

log_4(4^x)=log_4(12)

Apply an Exponent Logarithm Law:
x* log_4(4)=log_4(12)

log_a(a) always equals 1, so you get:
x=log_4(12)

If your calculator doesn't have log bases besides the default (10) you can apply the change of base formula:
x=log(12)/log(4)