Solve for x in the equation 3^(x^2)/9^x = 81

Published on October 31, 2024

Algebra

The equation 3^(x^2)/9^x = 81 is solved by rewriting the equation with the same base, simplifying the denominator, applying the quotient rule for exponents, equating the exponents, rearranging into a quadratic equation, and finally using the quadratic formula to find the two solutions, x = 1 + √5 and x = 1 - √5.

Question

\( \begin{array}{c}\frac{3^{x^{2}}}{9^{x}}=81 \\ x=?\end{array} \)

Answer

Here’s how to solve the equation:
1. Rewrite the equation using the same base:
The equation is . Notice that 9 and 81 can be expressed as powers of 3: and . Substituting these into the equation gives us:
2. Simplify the denominator:
Using the power of a power rule, , we simplify the denominator:
3. Use the quotient rule for exponents:
The quotient rule states that . Applying this rule to our equation gives:
4. Equate the exponents:
Since the bases are the same, the exponents must be equal:
5. Solve the quadratic equation:
Rearrange the equation into standard quadratic form:
This quadratic equation doesn’t factor easily, so we’ll use the quadratic formula: , where , , and .





Therefore, the solutions are and .
Final Answer: The final answer is