# Rearranging equation

How do I calculate t from the following equation?

z=a+b(e^k*t -1)

t=ln(z/b)

but what to do with the a and -1? and how do I calculate ln(z/b)? as lnz/lnb? I've tried thinking (didn't work *smirk*) and trial and error with simple numers (didn't work either)

thanks a lot!

Hurkyl
Staff Emeritus
Gold Member
First, am I correct in presuming that you mean:

$$z = a + b (e^{kt} - 1)$$

? If so, then you need to group the exponent with parentheses; the correct way to write it is z=a+b(e^(k*t) -1).

(Order of operations says you do exponentiation before multiplication)

Anyways, this is a chance to use stuff you've learned previously. It looks like you want to use the fact:

$$x = b^y \rightarrow \log_b x = y$$

right? However, note that the exponentiation has to be by itself on one side of the equation. Do you know how to do that?

how do I calculate ln(z/b)?

Compute z/b then take the log, just like the expression states.

Yes, that equation of yours is what I meant. Should have read the faw on how to write equations in a forum.

I also understand the equation you wrote further down, but I guess I'm really to stupid to rearrange teh whole equation to t=....