Solving for an exponential equation using logarithms 16^{x}-5(4)^{x}-6=0

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving the exponential equation \(16^{x} - 5(4)^{x} - 6 = 0\). Participants explore various methods for solving the equation, including the use of logarithms and the quadratic formula.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related, Mathematical reasoning, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses difficulty in solving the equation using logarithmic properties and questions how to arrive at a specific solution.
  • Another participant questions the accuracy of the original equation as presented and provides a numerical solution using Wolfram Alpha.
  • A third participant suggests rewriting the equation in a quadratic form by substituting \(4^x\) and applying the quadratic formula.
  • A later reply acknowledges the potential error in the equation and expresses gratitude for the clarification.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the original equation's correctness, and multiple interpretations of the equation and its solutions are present.

Contextual Notes

There is uncertainty regarding the correct formulation of the equation, which affects the approach to solving it. The discussion includes a mix of logarithmic manipulation and quadratic methods, with unresolved steps in the reasoning.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in solving exponential equations, particularly those involving logarithmic properties and quadratic forms, may find this discussion relevant.

sp3
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Hello I'm having trouble solving for this exponential equation : 16^{x}-(5,4)^{x}-6=0
I used some logarithms properties but can't get anything close to the following solutions here View attachment 8366
I tried using log base 16 : log16(16^{x})-6=log16((5,4)^{x}) ; then x - xlog16(5,4)=6 ;
factorizing x : x(1-log16(5,4))=6 here I get lost... I don't know how they got to log base 4 ( the answer is log4(6)) ... i thought about rewriting 5,4 as a fraction 27/5 but it doesn't help a lot... thanks in advance for the help
 

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Are you sure you've copied the equation correctly? According to W|A, the solution to the given equation is

$$x=0.833215$$

But:

$$\log_4(6)\approx1.292481250360578$$
 
Hi sp3, welcome to MHB! ;)

Can it be that your equation should be $16^x-5\cdot 4^x-6=0$?

If so then we can write it as $(4^x)^2-5(4^x)-6=0$ and apply the quadratic formula.
 
Thank youu I suspected something was up with this decimal number... thanks a million times guys! :D
 

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