Hopefully a simple exponent question.

  • Context: High School 
  • Thread starter Thread starter EngineeredVision
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Exponent
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on solving the equation 1.00062142^x = 4, highlighting the necessity of logarithms for finding the value of x. Participants confirm that while approximate solutions can be obtained through trial and error using basic calculators, a precise solution requires the application of logarithmic functions. The conversation emphasizes that understanding logarithms is essential for tackling more complex exponent-based problems.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of exponentiation
  • Basic knowledge of logarithmic functions
  • Familiarity with using scientific calculators
  • Concept of root extraction
NEXT STEPS
  • Learn how to apply logarithmic functions to solve exponential equations
  • Explore the properties of logarithms, including change of base
  • Practice solving various exponent problems using a scientific calculator
  • Study numerical methods for approximating solutions to equations
USEFUL FOR

Students, educators, and anyone looking to strengthen their understanding of exponential equations and logarithmic functions.

EngineeredVision
Messages
15
Reaction score
0
Hey guys,

It's been a while since I've even done simple exponent-based math.

I'm trying to solve for x where 1.00062142^x = 4

I realize that this could also be written as the X root of 4 = 1.00062142 but this doesn't help me either because I don't know how to solve for it either way. I'd really appreciate an explanation for how this is solved as opposed to just giving me the answer for X.

This doesn't require Logs does it?

Sorry for such a stupid question. Any help will be greatly appreciated.
 
Mathematics news on Phys.org
EngineeredVision said:
This doesn't require Logs does it?

Yep, it's easy with logs and difficult/impossible without.
 
Yes, it requires logs. Or, if you're just looking for an approximate answer, you can just try values until you hone in on it.

I just did this for 5 minutes and came up with the integer part of the solution just by playing with Windows calculator.

If you want to solve general, more difficult problems, you'll need to learn logs.
 
Last edited:

Similar threads

High School How Do You Calculate the 12th Root of x to the Fourth Power?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
High School Fractional/decimal powers
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
High School Are Inverse Problems More Complex Than Direct Problems in Mathematics?
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
3K
High School Super basic polynomial and exponent definition help
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K
High School Can a log have multiple bases?
  • · Replies 44 ·
2
Replies
44
Views
5K
High School Fractional Exponents (How is it done?)
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Powers with fractional exponents that have an even denominator
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
3K
High School Tips on developing and improving number sense and basic math skills
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
3K
High School Quick question regarding a problem with exponentials
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
2K
High School Fermat's Last Theorem; unacceptable proof, why?
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
3K