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Exponential Equations and Inequalities Guide

This document discusses how to solve exponential equations and inequalities. It provides the key properties of equality and inequality for exponential functions. Examples are worked through to solve equations and inequalities involving exponential terms. Strategies include rewriting exponential terms using properties, distributing terms, and isolating the variable. The document also includes an example of using the compound interest formula to solve a word problem involving exponential growth over time.
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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
33 views5 pages

Exponential Equations and Inequalities Guide

This document discusses how to solve exponential equations and inequalities. It provides the key properties of equality and inequality for exponential functions. Examples are worked through to solve equations and inequalities involving exponential terms. Strategies include rewriting exponential terms using properties, distributing terms, and isolating the variable. The document also includes an example of using the compound interest formula to solve a word problem involving exponential growth over time.
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Solving Exponential Equations and Inequalities

Solve Exponential Equations. All the properties of rational exponents that you know also apply
to real exponents. Remember that am · an = am + n, (am)n = amn, and am ÷ an = am - n.
Property of Equality
for If b is a positive number other than 1, then bx = by if and only if x = y.
Exponential Functions

Example 1 Solve 4x - 1 = 2x + 5. Example 2 Write an exponential function


4x - 1 = 2x + 5 Original equation whose graph passes through the points (0, 3) and
(22)x - 1 = 2x + 5 Rewrite 4 as 22. (4, 81).
2(x - 1) = x + 5 Prop. of Inequality for The y-intercept is (0, 3), so a = 3. Since the other
Exponential Function point is (4, 81), b

2x - 2 = x + 5 Distributive Property Simplifying 2.280 , the


=7 Subtract x and add 2 to
each side. equation is y = 3(2.280)x

Solve Exponential Inequalities. An exponential inequality is an inequality involving


exponential functions.

Property of Inequality If b > 1 then bx > by if and


for only if x > y and bx < by if
Exponential Functions and only if x < y.

2x – 1 𝟏
> 𝟏𝟐𝟓

1
52x - 1 > 125 Original inequality
1
52x - 1 > 5-3 Rewrite as 5-3.
125
2x - 1 > -3 Prop. of Inequality for Exponential Functions
2x > -2 Add 1 to each side.
x > -1 Divide each side by 2.
The solution set is {x|x > -1}.
Solve each equation.
1. 35x = 272x - 4

SOLUTION:

Use the Property of Equality for Exponential Functions.

ANSWER:
12

2. 162y – 3 = 4y + 1
SOLUTION:

Use the Property of Equality for Exponential Functions.

ANSWER:

3. 26x = 32 x + 2

SOLUTION:
Use the Property of Equality for Exponential Functions.

ANSWER:
−10

4. 49x + 5 = 78x - 6
SOLUTION:

Use the Property of Equality for Exponential Functions.

ANSWER:

Solve each inequality.


5. 42x+ 6 ≤ 642x- 4
SOLUTION:

Use the Property of Inequality for Exponential Functions.

ANSWER: x ≥ 4.5
Solve each equation.
6. 84x+ 5 = 64

SOLUTION:

Use the Property of Equality for Exponential Functions.

ANSWER: 0

7. 5x − 6 = 125
SOLUTION:

Use the Property of Equality for Exponential Functions.

ANSWER: 9

8. 256b + 5 = 42 -2b

SOLUTION:

Use the Property of Equality for Exponential Functions.

ANSWER: −1
9. 93c + 1 = 273c + 1
SOLUTION:

Use the Property of Equality for Exponential Functions.

ANSWER:

10. A certificate of deposit (CD) pays 2.25% annual interest compounded biweekly. If you deposit
$500 into this CD, what will the balance be after 6 years?

SOLUTION:
Use the compound interest formula. Substitute $500 for P, 0.0225 for r, 26 for n and 6 for t and
simplify.

ANSWER:
$572.23

Common questions

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When solving equations like 26x = 32x + 2 where exponential terms have different bases, use the property of equality for exponential functions by taking logarithms or expressing both sides with a common base. Alternatively, recognize when both sides can be simplified or rewritten to achieve commonality or a linear equation in the exponent for direct comparison. Solving usually involves setting the exponents equal, if possible, leading to traditional algebraic equation solving methods .

Verification involves substituting any derived solution back into the original equation to check conformity with exponential properties. For 93c + 1 = 273c + 1, apply the property of equality for exponential functions, which states that if the bases are the same, then exponents must equate. Simplify both sides separately, substitute to ensure numerical equivalence, and confirm solution accuracy. This assures correctness and identifies potential errors in the solving process .

The property of inequality for exponential functions helps model and solve compound interest problems by understanding how exponential growth or decay occurs over time. For example, with a CD paying 2.25% annual interest compounded biweekly, the compound interest formula A = P(1 + r/n)^(nt) applies, where P is the principal, r is the annual interest rate, n is the number of compounding periods per year, and t is the time in years. It shows how interest impacts balance over time, giving insight into financial growth based on the exponential properties .

The property of equality for exponential functions is crucial because it allows us to equate the exponents when the bases are equal, significantly simplifying the solving process. For the equation 4x - 1 = 2x + 5, rewriting 4 as 2^2 allows us to transform it to (2^2)^x - 1 = 2x + 5 and then solve by equating the exponents .

To determine the solution set for an inequality such as 42x + 6 ≤ 642x - 4, first identify and apply the property that if b > 1 then bx ≤ by if and only if x ≤ y. Rewrite 64 as 4^3. Since both sides have the common base of 4, equate the exponents: 2x + 6 ≤ 3(2x - 4). Simplify and solve the linear inequality in x to get solution x ≥ 4.5. This approach using exponential properties addresses the comparative growth rates of exponential terms .

To determine the exponential function, start with the form y = ab^x. The point (0, 3) indicates that a = 3 because y-intercept is where x = 0. Use the second point (4, 81) to find b: substitute x = 4 and y = 81 into the equation 81 = 3b^4. Solving for b gives b = 3. Therefore, the function is y = 3(3^x).

Transformations like rewriting bases using common factors or employing logarithmic transformations can simplify complex equations. For 49x + 5 = 78x - 6, express both bases using a power of a smaller prime if possible, or apply logarithm rules to isolate variables. These shifts allow manipulation of the equation into a linear form in the exponent, facilitating comparison and sound algebraic operations. The transformations reveal hidden equivalencies and simplify intricate relations in exponential equations .

Correctly applying exponential function properties in financial modeling is critical for accurate long-term investment planning. It ensures that rate of return calculations, such as those involving compound interest, reflect true future values. Exponential growth models predict how principal investments increase over time under compound interest, supporting decisions regarding future value projections and financial goal setting. Misapplication can lead to inaccuracies in expected returns, impacting strategy and financial outcomes .

The properties of rational exponents, such as am · an = am+n, (am)n = amn, and am ÷ an = am-n, can be applied to solve exponential equations by allowing the manipulation of terms to isolate the variable in the exponent. For example, if bx = by, then by the property of equality for exponential functions, x must equal y if b is a positive number other than 1 .

To solve the exponential inequality 52x - 1 > 1/125, rewrite 1/125 as 5^-3. This transforms the inequality to 52x - 1 > 5^-3. Applying the property of inequality for exponential functions, which states that if b > 1 then bx > by if and only if x > y, we set 2x - 1 > -3. Solving for x, we get 2x > -2, and thus x > -1 .

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