Solving Simultaneous Equations and Understanding Exponential Properties

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around solving simultaneous equations and understanding properties of exponents. The first problem involves two equations: y = x - 1 and y = x² - 3. The second problem presents an exponential equation, 72^x = 49, which the original poster finds challenging to approach.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss substituting variables in the simultaneous equations and suggest writing 49 in a form that relates to 7 for the exponential equation. There is also mention of proving solutions and rewriting base numbers in exponential forms.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on substitution methods and rewriting bases, while others express uncertainty about how to prove their findings. There is a mix of interpretations regarding the exponential problem, and no explicit consensus has been reached.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating homework constraints and are unsure about the correct approaches to both problems. There is a mention of needing to factorize the exponential equation, but the original poster feels stuck.

3nder
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Just doing a bit of math homework and I am stuck on 2 questions

the first one is a similtanoius equation and goes like this

y = x - 1
y = x2 -3

ive been trying for about half an hour and all i end up with is

y = (square root of) y - 2

im not sure if it's right, it does not look it.

the 2nd question i don't know the name of and looks like

72x = 49

i don't even know where to begin on that, i just have to factorise it.

thankyou in advanced
 
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3nder said:
y = x - 1
y = x2 -3

ive been trying for about half an hour and all i end up with is

y = (square root of) y - 2

Instead of substituting for x, substitute for y instead.


3nder said:
the 2nd question i don't know the name of and looks like

72x = 49

Can you write 49 in any way that relates to 7?
 
for the 2nd question i know that x = 1 but i don't know how to write the proof, like in another question how would i do

43-x = 8x

1st question solved thankyou rock.freak667
 
Last edited:
3nder said:
for the 2nd question i know that x = 1 but i don't know how to write the proof, like in another question how would i do

43-x = 8x

It all revolves around how you can write the base numbers. If you have am=an then m=n.

So if you have 36=62x, then you can write this as 62=62x which means that 2=2x and hence x=1.
 
3nder said:
for the 2nd question i know that x = 1 but i don't know how to write the proof, like in another question how would i do

43-x = 8x

1st question solved thankyou rock.freak667
Also remember how a power to a power behaves:
(a^b)^c = a^{bc}

so:
(8)^x=(2^3)^x=2^{3x}

and

(4)^{3-x}=(2^2)^{3-x}=2^{6-2x}

edit: I misread and thought you said this problem's solution was x = 1. My bad!
 
xcvxcvvc said:
Also remember how a power to a power behaves:
(a^b)^c = a^{bc}

so:
(8)^x=(2^3)^x=2^{3x}

and

(4)^{3-x}=(2^2)^{3-x}=2^{6-2x}

edit: I misread and thought you said this problem's solution was x = 1. My bad!

Right so now you have

2^{6-2x}=2^{3x}

so what is x?
 

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