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Solving Exponential Equations & Inequalities

Here are the key steps to solve these exponential equations: 1) Write both sides as powers of the same base. This allows you to set the exponents equal since the bases are the same. 2) Isolate the variable (x) by subtracting/adding exponents and simplifying. 3) Check your solution by plugging back into the original equation. Let me know if you need help with any of the specific problems! Solving exponential equations takes some practice but following these steps should help.

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Karen Grace Enrique
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4K views9 pages

Solving Exponential Equations & Inequalities

Here are the key steps to solve these exponential equations: 1) Write both sides as powers of the same base. This allows you to set the exponents equal since the bases are the same. 2) Isolate the variable (x) by subtracting/adding exponents and simplifying. 3) Check your solution by plugging back into the original equation. Let me know if you need help with any of the specific problems! Solving exponential equations takes some practice but following these steps should help.

Uploaded by

Karen Grace Enrique
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Solving Exponential

Equations and
Inequalities
Ask students which of the following are
exponential equations.
a) 49 = 7
𝑥+1

b) 7 = 2x + 3

c) 3 = 3
𝑥 2𝑥 −1

d) 5
𝑥 −1 = 125

e) 8x = 𝑥 - 9
2

f) 𝑥 = 3𝑥 + 2x -1
2 3

g) 2x + 3 > x – 1

h) 2
𝑥 −2 > 8
Some exponential equations can be solved by using
the fact that exponential functions are one-to-one.

One-to-one Property of Exponential Functions


If X1 ≠ X2, then 𝑏 x1 ≠ 𝑏x2 . Conversely, if 𝑏 x1 = 𝑏x2
then X1 = X2.
Teaching Tip:

One strategy to solve exponential equations is to write both sides of the


equation as powers of the same base.
Example # 1: Solve the equation 4𝑥−1 = 16.

Example # 2: Solve the equation 125𝑥−1 = 25𝑥+3

𝑥2
Example # 3: Solve the equation 9 = 3𝑥+3
Exponential inequalities can be solved using the
following property.
Property of Exponential Inequalities
If b > 1, then the exponential function y = 𝑏 𝑥 is increasing for all x. This
means that 𝑏 𝑥 < 𝑏 𝑦 if and only if x < y.

If 0 < b < 1, then the exponential function y = 𝑏 𝑥 is decreasing for all x.


This means that 𝑏 𝑥 < 𝑏 𝑦 if and only if x < y.

Teaching Tip:

Be careful when solving exponential inequalities such as 𝑏𝑚 < 𝑏𝑛 . The


resulting direction of the inequality (m < n or m > n) is based on whether
the base b is greater than 1 or less than 1.
Example # 1: Solve the inequality 3𝑥 < 9𝑥 −2 .

1 𝑥+5 1 3𝑥
Example # 2: Solve the inequality ( ) ≥ ( )
10 100
Seatwork:
John and Peter are solving (0.6)𝑥 −3 >(0.36)−𝑥 −1 .
Did anyone get the correct solution? If not, spot the
error or errors.
John Peter
(0.6)𝑥 −3 >(0.36)−𝑥 −1 (0.6)𝑥 −3 >(0.36)−𝑥 −1
(0.6)𝑥 −3 >(0.62 ) −𝑥 −1 (0.6)𝑥 −3 >(0.62 ) −𝑥 −1
(0.6)𝑥 −3 >(0.6)2 (−𝑥 −1) (0.6)𝑥 −3 >(0.6)2 (−𝑥 −1)
(0.6)𝑥 −3 >(0.6)−2𝑥 −2 (0.6)𝑥 −3 >(0.6)−2𝑥 −2
X – 3 > -2x -2 X – 3 < -2x -2
3x > 1 3x < 1
1 1
x> x<
3 3
Activity: Solve for x .
1). 162𝑥 −3 = 4𝑥+2

Hint: Write as 2−1


1 2𝑥 1
2). ( ) =2 3 −𝑥
2 2

3). 42𝑥+7 ≤ 322𝑥−3

Hint: Write
2 5𝑥 −1 25 25 2 −2
4). ( ) ≥ as ( )
5 4 4 5
Evaluation: Solve for x.
a) 7
𝑥+4
= 492𝑥−1

b) 4𝑥+2 = 82𝑥

2 3
c) ( )5𝑥+2 = ( )2𝑥
3 2

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