To solve an exponential equation, take the log of both sides, and
solve for the variable.
Problem 1: Solve for x in the equation
Solution:
using steps 2 through 5.
(that's why we choose log with a base 5). Therefore, the left side of the equation can be simplified to
is the exact answer.
is an approximate answer.
Check: Let's check the approximate answer with the original problem. When we substitute the above value of x in the left side of the equation, we get
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Author: Nancy Marcus