SOLUTION: Solve this equation for x by first rewriting both sides as powers of the same base (1/3)^x=9 I know that the answer is -2, but how do we get there? Thanks

Algebra ->  Logarithm Solvers, Trainers and Word Problems -> SOLUTION: Solve this equation for x by first rewriting both sides as powers of the same base (1/3)^x=9 I know that the answer is -2, but how do we get there? Thanks      Log On


   

Question 1000522: Solve this equation for x by first rewriting both sides as powers of the same base
(1/3)^x=9
I know that the answer is -2, but how do we get there? Thanks
Answer by ankor@dixie-net.com(22740) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Solve this equation for x by first rewriting both sides as powers of the same base
%281%2F3%29%5Ex+=+9
an exponent of -1 gives us the reciprocal, nine is 3 squared
3%5E%28-1x%29+=+3%5E2
therefore
-1x = 2
x = 2/-1
x = -2