Some tricky exponentioal equations

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The discussion focuses on solving tricky exponential equations, specifically e^(4x-5)=9e^(x+5) and (3^7x)(27^x)=9. Participants share their attempts and methods, including using natural logarithms and changing bases to simplify the equations. Key mistakes identified include incorrect application of logarithmic rules and simplification errors. The correct approach involves properly simplifying the exponentials before applying logarithms, leading to clearer solutions. Overall, the thread emphasizes the importance of careful algebraic manipulation in solving exponential equations.
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Homework Statement


e^(4x-5)=9e^(x+5)

Homework Equations



log rules

The Attempt at a Solution



I have tried this one a few times using slightly different methods and getting 2 answers and neither of them seem to be working when i plug them back into the equation.

Here is my first method...

1. Divide out the e^(x+5) so i get e^(4x-5)/e^(x+5) = 9

2. Take the natural log of everything so i end up with

(4x-5)lne/(x+5)lne = ln 9

3. After doing the algebra i got the answer to be 8.87 (rounded to 3 sig figs), but it wasnt checking out when i plugged it back into the equation

Here is my second method...

1. I just started going crazy with the natural logs getting

(4x-5)lne - (x+5) ln 9e

The ln9e don't quite sit right with me tho, however after doing the algebra i get x=-10, this doesn't seem to check out either...please help!

Homework Statement



(3^7x)(27^x)=9

Homework Equations



logs

The Attempt at a Solution



Alright well since i know that they are all powers of 3 i changed the bases so the equation became

(3^7x)((3^3)x)=3^2

Then i just looked at the exponents and ended up with

21x^2 = 2

Did the algebra and this one isn't working in the orignal equation either >.<
 
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xortan said:

Homework Statement


e^(4x-5)=9e^(x+5)


Homework Equations



log rules

The Attempt at a Solution



I have tried this one a few times using slightly different methods and getting 2 answers and neither of them seem to be working when i plug them back into the equation.

Here is my first method...

1. Divide out the e^(x+5) so i get e^(4x-5)/e^(x+5) = 9

2. Take the natural log of everything so i end up with

(4x-5)lne/(x+5)lne = ln 9
This part is incorrect. The natural log doesn't quite work like that. Before you take natural logs, you'll want to simplify:
<br /> \frac{e^{4x-5}}{e^{x+5}} = e^{(4x - 5) - (x + 5)} = e^{3x - 10}<br />
Then you have e^(3x-10) = 9, and you can take the ln of both sides there.

3. After doing the algebra i got the answer to be 8.87 (rounded to 3 sig figs), but it wasnt checking out when i plugged it back into the equation

Here is my second method...

1. I just started going crazy with the natural logs getting

(4x-5)lne - (x+5) ln 9e

The ln9e don't quite sit right with me tho, however after doing the algebra i get x=-10, this doesn't seem to check out either...please help!

Homework Statement



(3^7x)(27^x)=9

Homework Equations



logs


The Attempt at a Solution



Alright well since i know that they are all powers of 3 i changed the bases so the equation became

(3^7x)((3^3)x)=3^2

Then i just looked at the exponents and ended up with

21x^2 = 2
Seems a little fishy here. You changed everything to base 3 right, but then you should get:
<br /> 3^{7x} \cdot (3^3)^x = 3^{7x} \cdot 3^{3x} = 3^{7x + 3x} = 3^{10x}<br />

So then 3^(10x) = 3^2, which means x = ...

Did the algebra and this one isn't working in the orignal equation either >.<
 
Thank you so much it just clicked..

I LOVE this site, got my finals right around the corner and this was only problem i was having with exponentioals, thank you i should be able to complete the rest of my assignment with ease :D
 
aye, no problem.. good luck!
 
Just be sure to remove that "o" from "exponentioal" if you want full marks :wink:
 
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