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