Chapter 6: Problem 48
Solve each equation. Do not use a calculator. $$32^{x}=16^{1-x}$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The solution is \(x = \frac{4}{9}\).
Step by step solution
01
Express Numbers as Powers of a Common Base
The numbers 32 and 16 can both be expressed as powers of 2. Notice that:\[ 32 = 2^5 \]\[ 16 = 2^4 \]
02
Rewrite the Equation with Powers of 2
Substitute the expressions from Step 1 into the original equation:\[ (2^5)^x = (2^4)^{1-x} \]
03
Apply the Power of a Power Rule
Use the exponentiation rule \((a^m)^n = a^{m }n\) to simplify both sides of the equation:\[ 2^{5x} = 2^{4(1-x)} \]
04
Set the Exponents Equal
Since the bases are the same, the exponents must be equal. Set the exponents from both sides of the equation equal to each other:\[ 5x = 4(1-x) \]
05
Distribute and Simplify
Distribute the 4 on the right side of the equation:\[ 5x = 4 - 4x \]Add \(4x\) to both sides to get:\[ 9x = 4 \]
06
Solve for x
Divide both sides by 9 to solve for \(x\):\[ x = \frac{4}{9} \]
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Powers of a Common Base
To effectively solve equations involving exponents, it's crucial to understand the concept of powers of a common base. This approach involves rewriting numbers as powers of the same base, typically using prime factors to find a simple exponent representation.
In our exercise, we successfully express 32 and 16 as powers of 2:
In our exercise, we successfully express 32 and 16 as powers of 2:
- \(32 = 2^5\)
- \(16 = 2^4\)
Solving Exponential Equations
Once we have expressed numbers as powers of a common base, the next step is solving the exponential equation. With both sides having the same base, we can equate the exponents.
Consider our rewritten equation:
Consider our rewritten equation:
- \((2^5)^x = (2^4)^{1-x}\)
- \(2^{5x} = 2^{4(1-x)}\)
- \(5x = 4(1-x)\)
Power of a Power Rule
An essential tool for working with exponential expressions is the power of a power rule. This rule states that when you raise a power to another power, you multiply the exponents: \((a^m)^n = a^{m \cdot n}\).
In our exercise, applying this rule is especially useful when rewriting the equation:
In our exercise, applying this rule is especially useful when rewriting the equation:
- \((2^5)^x\) becomes \(2^{5x}\)
- \((2^4)^{1-x}\) becomes \(2^{4(1-x)}\)