SOLUTION: The instructions say: Find the solution of the exponential equation, correct four places. The problem reads: 5 (X) in the exponent place (cannot do that on this computer)= 16.

Algebra ->  Exponential-and-logarithmic-functions -> SOLUTION: The instructions say: Find the solution of the exponential equation, correct four places. The problem reads: 5 (X) in the exponent place (cannot do that on this computer)= 16.      Log On


   

Question 739593: The instructions say: Find the solution of the exponential equation, correct four places.
The problem reads:
5 (X) in the exponent place (cannot do that on this computer)= 16.
I was not in class and not sure how to do the problem.
Can you help>
Answer by jim_thompson5910(35256) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
To write out 5%5Ex, you type "5^x" without quotes


5^x = 16 ... Start with the given equation.

log(5^x) = log(16) ... apply the log function to both sides

x*log(5) = log(16) ... use rule #3 on this page

x = log(16)/log(5) ... Divide both sides by log(5) to isolate x.

x = 1.72270623229358 ... use a calculator here

x = 1.7227 ... round to 4 decimal places (as instructed)

So the approximate solution is x = 1.7227