.
The given exponential equation
+
=
(1)
is equivalent to
+
=
, or
+
=
. (2)
Introduce new variables u = 2^x, v = 3^x. Then equation (2) takes the form
u^2 + u*v =
.
Divide both sides by u^2. You will get
-
- 1 = 0 (3)
Let z =
. Then equation (3) takes the form
z^2 - z - 1 = 0.
Solve this quadratic equation using the quadratic formula
=
=
.
The roots are
=
, and
=
.
Thus, we should consider two cases.
(a)
=
.
It means
=
=
.
Next, take any logarithm, log base 10, or natural logarithm "ln" from both sides to continue
=
,
x =
/
= = 1.1868 (approximately).
Thus this case is completed.
(b)
= -
It means -
=
=
.
The left side is negative, while the right side is positive.
So, this case has no solutions.
ANSWER. The original equation has only one root x =
/
= = 1.1868 (approximately).
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On solving exponential equations see also the lesson
- Solving exponential equations
- OVERVIEW of lessons on solving exponential equations
in this site.