Solve 3^(2x) - 2*3^(x+5) + 3^10 = 0 - Brain Boosting Hint

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving the equation 3^(2x) - 2*3^(x+5) + 3^10 = 0, focusing on hints and strategies for approaching the problem without providing a complete solution. The context is a homework problem related to precalculus concepts involving exponential functions.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant requests a hint for solving the equation, indicating a struggle with the problem.
  • Another participant provides rules for manipulating exponential expressions, suggesting their application to the equation.
  • A third participant asks for clarification on the specific goal of the problem, emphasizing the need for a structured approach to homework postings.
  • The original poster clarifies that they are looking to solve for x and describes their teaching context, expressing frustration over a perceived oversight in the problem.
  • One participant suggests rewriting the equation in a quadratic form and mentions the use of the Quadratic Formula as a potential method for finding solutions.
  • A later reply acknowledges a previous error made by the original poster when attempting a substitution, expressing relief at receiving guidance.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the need for hints and strategies to approach the problem, but there is no consensus on the specific method to be used, as different approaches are suggested.

Contextual Notes

Some participants note the importance of correctly applying exponential rules and the potential for rewriting the equation in a quadratic form, but there are unresolved steps and assumptions regarding the approach to solving the equation.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students and educators involved in precalculus or those seeking strategies for solving exponential equations in a homework context.

doneitall
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Can someone give me a starter hint for this problem? Brain's not working at full speed...

3^(2x) - 2*3^(x+5) + 3^10 = 0

Thanks
 
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Here are some rules for exponentials:

[tex](a^b)^c=a^{b\cdot c}[/tex]

[tex]a^b\cdot a^c=a^{b+c}[/tex]

See if you can apply these rules to solve your equation.
 
Welcome to the forum.

Please use the homework outline for your posting of homework.

Are you just trying to solve for x ... or it's derivative or ... what?

Please be specific and show your attempt at a solution and then we can help you out.

Thanks
Matt
 
Looking to solve for x. It is a homework problem... one that I assigned. I teach this for a living and although I'm sure there's something relatively simple that I'm missing, for the life of me I don't see it now. This is a review problem in precalculus so it doesn't involve calculus to solve.

I've looked at it as: (3^2)^x - 2 (3^x)(3^5) + 3^10 = 0 but not sure where to go next. I don't want a solution - just a shove in the right direction. (Before I go mad!)
 
Rewrite your equation as 32x - 2*35*3x + 310 = 0.

This is an equation that is quadratic in form, so you can use the Quadratic Formula to solve for 3x. After that, you can use logs to solve for x.
 
Sheesh! I had tried this by letting u = 3^x but made an error and gave up when it didn't work out. Thanks. I feel better now.
 

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