Chapter 6: Problem 46
Either use factoring or the quadratic formula to solve the given equation. $$ 2^{2 x}-12\left(2^{x}\right)+35=0 $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The solutions are \( x = \frac{\ln 5}{\ln 2} \) and \( x = \frac{\ln 7}{\ln 2} \).
Step by step solution
01
Substitute variable
Let us introduce a substitution to simplify the equation. Set \( y = 2^x \). This gives us the equation \( y^2 - 12y + 35 = 0 \).
02
Identify quadratic form
Notice that the equation \( y^2 - 12y + 35 = 0 \) is a quadratic equation in the standard form \( ay^2 + by + c = 0 \), where \( a = 1 \), \( b = -12 \), and \( c = 35 \).
03
Factor the quadratic equation
To factor \( y^2 - 12y + 35 \), we search for two numbers that multiply to 35 and add to -12. These numbers are -5 and -7. Thus, we can rewrite the equation as \((y - 5)(y - 7) = 0\).
04
Solve for y
Using the zero-product property, set each factor equal to zero: \( y - 5 = 0 \) or \( y - 7 = 0 \). Solving these, we get \( y = 5 \) or \( y = 7 \).
05
Substitute back for x
Recall that \( y = 2^x \). Thus, \( 2^x = 5 \) or \( 2^x = 7 \).
06
Solve for x
Solve for \( x \) by taking the logarithm of both sides:- For \( 2^x = 5 \), \( x = \log_2 5 = \frac{\ln 5}{\ln 2} \).- For \( 2^x = 7 \), \( x = \log_2 7 = \frac{\ln 7}{\ln 2} \).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Logarithms
Logarithms are a powerful mathematical tool that help us solve equations involving exponents, like those found in the solution of the quadratic equation. When you have an equation in the form of \( 2^x = a \), you can use logarithms to find \( x \). Logarithms answer the question: "To what exponent must we raise a certain base to obtain a given number?"
Here's how you use them in practice:
Here's how you use them in practice:
- Change of Base Formula: To solve \( 2^x = 5 \), we use the logarithm with base 2: \( x = \log_2 5 \).
- Conversion to Natural Logarithms (ln): When calculating using a calculator that lacks specific base logs, we can convert: \( \log_2 5 = \frac{\ln 5}{\ln 2} \).
- In the context of this problem, we use \( x = \log_2 7 \) or \( x = \log_2 5 \), which effectively solve \( 2^x = 7 \) or \( 2^x = 5 \) respectively.
Factoring
Factoring is a crucial technique when dealing with quadratic equations. A quadratic equation typically takes the form \( ay^2 + by + c = 0 \), and the goal in factoring is to express this equation as a product of simpler expressions.
- Identify Constants: For the equation \( y^2 - 12y + 35 = 0 \), here \( a = 1 \), \( b = -12 \), and \( c = 35 \).
- Find Two Numbers: These numbers should multiply to give the constant term, 35, and sum to give the linear term, -12.
- Rewrite Equation: After identifying -5 and -7 as these two numbers, we express \((y - 5)(y - 7) = 0\).
- Solution by Zeros Property: Each factor equals zero providing solutions \( y = 5 \) and \( y = 7 \).
Substitution Method
The substitution method is a strategic approach that simplifies complex equations, especially helpful in solving quadratic equations embedded within exponential structures.
Let's take a closer look:
Let's take a closer look:
- Replace Variables to Simplify: We start by recognizing the equation's complex structure, such as \( 2^{2x} - 12(2^x) + 35 = 0 \). By substituting \( y = 2^x \), the equation becomes simpler.
- This transforms the equation to a familiar quadratic form: \( y^2 - 12y + 35 = 0 \).
- The benefit of this method is reducing the complexity of the equation, making it more manageable for further techniques like factoring.
- Reverse the Substitution: Once solutions for \( y \) are found, substitute back to solve for the original variable \( x \). Here, \( 2^x = 5 \) or \( 2^x = 7 \).