use natural log

Question

solve 3^2x = 80

Answer 1

3^2x = 80

ln(3^2x) = ln(80) Natural log both sides

2xln(3) = ln(80) Use the property lnb^x = xlnb

x = ln(80)/(2ln(3)) Divide both sides by 2ln(3)

Then punch it into a calculator.

Answer 2

Re-write the expression as a log

log₃80 = 2x

Divide both sides by 2

(log₃80)/2 = x

Use the calculator

x=1.994