
Byron S. answered 10/30/14
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Math and Science Tutor with an Engineering Background
Exponential terms with the same base and exponent can be treated as if they were variables for the purpose of adding or subtracting like terms.
2x + 2 + 3 * 2x = 56
2x + 3 * 2x = 54
4 * 2x = 54
2x = 27/2
To get the variable out of the exponent, convert to log form
x = log2 (27/2)
x = log2 27 - log2 2
x = log2 33 - 1
x = 3 log2 3 - 1
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If you can get two exponential expressions to have the same base and be equal, then their exponents must also be equal.
(4/9)m+2 = (8/27)1+m
((2/3)2)m+2 = ((2/3)3)m+1
(2/3)2m+4 = (2/3)3m+3
2m+4 = 3m+3
1 = m
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Again, you can manipulate the expressions to have the same base, and set the exponents equal. Remember that 1/xa = x-a
10n+2 = 1/10,0001-n
10n+2 = 10,000-1+n
10n+2 = (104)n-1
10n+2 = 104n-4
n+2 = 4n - 4
6 = 3n
2 = n
Grace B.
10/30/14