What is the solution to 2^x + 2^-x = 3?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Andolph23
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the equation 2^x + 2^-x = 3, which falls under the subject area of exponential equations. Participants are exploring various approaches to manipulate and solve the equation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss rewriting the equation in different forms, such as expressing 2^-x as 1/(2^x) and considering substitutions like u = 2^x. There are attempts to manipulate the equation by multiplying both sides by 2^x, though some participants question the validity of certain steps.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing various insights and approaches. Some guidance has been offered regarding substitutions and methods to solve the equation, but there is no explicit consensus on the next steps or a complete solution yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention the need for the bases to be the same for certain manipulations, indicating a potential constraint in their approaches. There is also an acknowledgment of confusion regarding the steps taken in the problem-solving process.

Andolph23
Messages
4
Reaction score
0

The Attempt at a Solution



2^x + 2^-x = 3

2^x + (1 / ((2^x)) = 3

(4^((x^2)) +1) / (2^x) = 3

(4^((x^2)) + 1) = 6^ x
 
Physics news on Phys.org
No, 2(3^x) is not the same 6^x.
 
Multiply both sides by 2x instead.
 
My bad. I forgot that they must have the same base to multiply them. Also, If you're referring to the last step, I did multiply both sides by 2^x. I'm stuck at that point though.
 
let u = 2^x
solve the quadratic
after solve for u solve for x
 
Thanks that helped a lot. Thanks everyone for the quick replies
 

Similar threads

Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
261
  • · Replies 31 ·
2
Replies
31
Views
3K
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
Replies
4
Views
3K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
1K