Precalc Exponential equation

Question

Find the solution of the exponential equation, as in Example 1. (Enter your answers as a comma-separated list.)

4^x − 1 = 64

x=

Answer 1

(2²)^x-1 = 2⁵, Use Law of Exponents from Algebra 1.

Answer 2

You can solve this by matching the bases. 64 can be re-written so there is a base of 4 to match the left side.

4^x − 1 = 4³ Now you can set up an equation using the exponents, they must be equal.

x-1=3 Now solve

x-1+1=3+1

x=4