October 18, 2022

Exponential EquationsDefinition, Workings, and Examples

In arithmetic, an exponential equation takes place when the variable shows up in the exponential function. This can be a frightening topic for children, but with a some of direction and practice, exponential equations can be solved simply.

This article post will talk about the definition of exponential equations, kinds of exponential equations, steps to solve exponential equations, and examples with solutions. Let's began!

What Is an Exponential Equation?

The primary step to figure out an exponential equation is understanding when you have one.

Definition

Exponential equations are equations that have the variable in an exponent. For example, 2x+1=0 is not an exponential equation, but 2x+1=0 is an exponential equation.

There are two primary items to keep in mind for when attempting to establish if an equation is exponential:

1. The variable is in an exponent (signifying it is raised to a power)

2. There is only one term that has the variable in it (besides the exponent)

For example, take a look at this equation:

y = 3x2 + 7

The primary thing you must notice is that the variable, x, is in an exponent. The second thing you should observe is that there is additional term, 3x2, that has the variable in it – not only in an exponent. This implies that this equation is NOT exponential.

On the contrary, check out this equation:

y = 2x + 5

Yet again, the primary thing you must observe is that the variable, x, is an exponent. The second thing you must observe is that there are no more value that includes any variable in them. This signifies that this equation IS exponential.


You will come across exponential equations when solving various calculations in algebra, compound interest, exponential growth or decay, and other functions.

Exponential equations are essential in arithmetic and play a central duty in working out many mathematical questions. Therefore, it is crucial to fully grasp what exponential equations are and how they can be used as you progress in your math studies.

Kinds of Exponential Equations

Variables come in the exponent of an exponential equation. Exponential equations are surprisingly ordinary in everyday life. There are three main kinds of exponential equations that we can solve:

1) Equations with the same bases on both sides. This is the easiest to work out, as we can easily set the two equations equal to each other and figure out for the unknown variable.

2) Equations with different bases on each sides, but they can be created the same employing rules of the exponents. We will put a few examples below, but by converting the bases the same, you can observe the same steps as the first case.

3) Equations with distinct bases on both sides that is impossible to be made the same. These are the toughest to solve, but it’s feasible using the property of the product rule. By increasing two or more factors to identical power, we can multiply the factors on both side and raise them.

Once we are done, we can resolute the two latest equations identical to one another and work on the unknown variable. This article do not include logarithm solutions, but we will tell you where to get help at the very last of this article.

How to Solve Exponential Equations

From the explanation and types of exponential equations, we can now learn to work on any equation by following these simple steps.

Steps for Solving Exponential Equations

We have three steps that we are required to ensue to work on exponential equations.

Primarily, we must identify the base and exponent variables inside the equation.

Second, we are required to rewrite an exponential equation, so all terms have a common base. Thereafter, we can solve them utilizing standard algebraic methods.

Lastly, we have to figure out the unknown variable. Once we have figured out the variable, we can put this value back into our original equation to find the value of the other.

Examples of How to Solve Exponential Equations

Let's take a loot at a few examples to note how these procedures work in practicality.

Let’s start, we will work on the following example:

7y + 1 = 73y

We can observe that both bases are identical. Therefore, all you need to do is to restate the exponents and figure them out using algebra:

y+1=3y

y=½

Now, we change the value of y in the specified equation to corroborate that the form is true:

71/2 + 1 = 73(½)

73/2=73/2

Let's observe this up with a further complex sum. Let's figure out this expression:

256=4x−5

As you have noticed, the sides of the equation does not share a similar base. But, both sides are powers of two. By itself, the solution consists of decomposing respectively the 4 and the 256, and we can substitute the terms as follows:

28=22(x-5)

Now we solve this expression to find the final answer:

28=22x-10

Carry out algebra to solve for x in the exponents as we performed in the last example.

8=2x-10

x=9

We can recheck our workings by replacing 9 for x in the original equation.

256=49−5=44

Continue looking for examples and questions over the internet, and if you utilize the properties of exponents, you will become a master of these theorems, working out most exponential equations with no issue at all.

Better Your Algebra Abilities with Grade Potential

Solving questions with exponential equations can be difficult without help. While this guide covers the basics, you still might find questions or word questions that make you stumble. Or maybe you desire some extra help as logarithms come into the scene.

If you feel the same, contemplate signing up for a tutoring session with Grade Potential. One of our professional teachers can guide you improve your skills and confidence, so you can give your next examination a first class effort!