How to find the x in this exponential function? Thank you!

#2(7^x+2^(x-1))=7(2^x-7^(x-1))#

1 Answer
May 15, 2018

#log_3.5(2)#

Explanation:

Distributing the variables on each side gives us
#2*7^x+2*2^(x-1) = 7*2^x-7*7^(x-1)#

We know #a^(x-1)*a=a^x# using basic exponent rules, so applying that rule gives us

#2*7^x+2^x=7*2^x-7^x#
Combine like terms
#3*7^x=6*2^x#
#7^x/2^x=2#

Using another exponent rule, we know #a^x/b^2=(a/b)^x#, so
#(7/2)^x=2#
#3.5^x=2#

Using logarithms to solve, we arrive at

#x=log_3.5(2)#