Exponential Equation: 3^(x-1)=17

Question

Exact Answer

Approximate Answer

 

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Answer 1

(x+1) log(3) = log(17) ...   A TYPO... SHOULD BE (x-1)

x+1 = log(17) / log (3) ... A TYPO... SHOULD BE (x-1)

 

Forgive us tutors, we sometimes make accidental typing errors.

Answer 2

Initially, you have to eliminate the exponent by taking the log of BOTH sides of the equation. 

 

 

the problem then becomes

 

log₁₀(3^(x-1)) = log₁₀17 

 

That then becomes

 

(x+1) log(3) = log(17) ... 

 

x+1 = log(17) / log (3) 

 

The rest should be easy