Solve for x in an equation with an exponent

Published on October 28, 2024

Algebra

The solution to the equation (1/3)^(x+3) = 9^x is x = -1.

Question

Answer

The problem is:
Let’s solve this step-by-step.
1. Express both sides of the equation with the same base.
Notice that both 3 and 9 can be expressed as powers of 3:
  • $ \frac{1}{3} = 3^{-1}$
Substitute these into the equation:
2. Simplify using exponent rules.
Recall that . Applying this rule:
3. Solve for x.
Since the bases are now the same, we can equate the exponents:
Simplify and solve for :