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Solving Exponential Equations (lacking a common base)

Solve the exponential equation: 5x-2 = 6

Help please. I came up with 2.8154 but do not think it is right

User Armamut
by
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1 Answer

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Explanation:

5ˣ⁻² = 6

Take log of both sides.

log 5ˣ⁻² = log 6

Use log exponent property.

(x − 2) log 5 = log 6

Solve for x.

x − 2 = log 6 / log 5

x = 2 + (log 6 / log 5)

x = 3.1133

User Martin Kleppmann
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5.6k points