Applying "Change of Base" Property of Logarithms to Solve Exponential E
To solve an exponential equation, you must first isolate the exponential expression b^x (some base number "b" to the power of x). To isolate and solve for x, you must apply the inverse logarithmic function for the given base (ex: to solve for x in 2^x, apply a log2 ("log base 2")) to both expression (sides) of the equation. If the logarithm applied is anything other than the common log or natural log, then use the change of base property rewrite as a quotient of common or natural logs, and simplify completely to solve for x. See video on left for more details.
Homework Assignment: "Exponential Growth and Decay Word Problems" #s 1 - 3, 6, 7, 9, 10 - 12 |