Table of Contents Solving Exponential Equations An exponential equation is an equation with a variable as part of an exponent. The following examples will show how to solve this type of equation. Example 1: Solve the equation. Method A Take a log base 3 of each side. Use the inverse property.

Table of Contents Slide 2 Solving Exponential Equations The solution is. To find the answer as a decimal (nearest hundredth), use the change of base formula on the calculator. The answer is.

Table of Contents Slide 3 Solving Exponential Equations Method B Original problem. Take the natural log of each side. Use the Power property. Divide each side by ln 3. Note that the result is the same as that found using method A.

Table of Contents Slide 4 Solving Exponential Equations Example 2: Solve the following equation. Get the exponential expression on the left side by itself.

Table of Contents Slide 5 Solving Exponential Equations Now solve using one of the two methods. Method AMethod B

Table of Contents Slide 6 Solving Exponential Equations Method B is the best way to solve an exponential equation that has a non-integer base. Consider the following equation: Solve using Method B

Table of Contents Solving Exponential Equations