SOLUTION: (a to the 4th power)to the x power equals a what does x equal

Algebra ->  Exponents -> SOLUTION: (a to the 4th power)to the x power equals a what does x equal      Log On


   



Question 716978: (a to the 4th power)to the x power equals a
what does x equal

Answer by jsmallt9(3758) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
%28a%5E4%29%5Ex+=+a
The exponent rule for powers of a power is to multiply the exponents:
a%5E%284x%29+=+a
The equation now says that one power of a, a%5E%284x%29, is equal to another power of a, a%5E1. The only way this can be true is if the exponents themselves are equal. So:
4x = 1
Now we just divide by 4:
x = 1/4