Exponential Equation

Definition

Let a ≠ 0. We define the following:

0
1)𝑎 = 1
−𝑛 1
2)𝑎 = 𝑎𝑛
Theorem
Let r and s be rational numbers. Then,

𝑎 𝑟 𝑎 𝑟
𝑟 𝑠 𝑟+𝑠
1) 𝑎 𝑎 = 𝑎 4) ( ) = 𝑟
𝑎𝑟 𝑏 𝑏
𝑟−𝑠
2) 𝑎𝑠 = 𝑎 𝑟
5) (𝑎𝑏) = 𝑎 𝑏𝑟 𝑟
𝑟 𝑠 𝑟𝑠
3) (𝑎 ) = 𝑎
Motivational Activity
• Give each student a piece of bond paper.
• Ask them to fold the bond paper a number of times.
• Let the students share what the" observed upon folding
the bond paper.
• Explain that it is hard to describe exponential equation
using everyday language, but it is easy to describe with
mathematics.
 An exponential equation is an equation containing
one or more expressions that have a variable as an
exponent. To solve exponential equations:

 Try writing them so

that the bases are
all the same.

If the bases are the same, then we can simply set the
exponents equal.
Solve and check.

2 2x 5
2x3

Since the bases are the same we

2x – 5 = x + 3 simply set the exponents equal.

2x - 5 – x = x + 3 - x Subtract both sides by x

x-5=3 Simplify

x–5+5=3+5 Add both sides by 5

x=8 Simplify
Check
2x 5 x3
2 2
2(8) – 5 8+3
2 =2
16 – 5 11
2 =2
11 11
2 =2

2 048 = 2 048

The solution is x = 8.
Solve and check.
8–x x–3
9 = 27
Rewrite each side with the same
2 8–x 3 x–3
(3 ) = (3 ) base; 9 and 27 are powers of 3.

To raise a power to a power,

316 – 2x = 33x – 9 multiply exponents.

Bases are the same, so the

16 – 2x = 3x – 9 exponents must be equal.

x=5 Solve for x.

Check
8–x x–3
9 = 27
8–5 5–3
9 = 27
3 2
9 = 27

729 = 729

The solution is x = 5.
Solve and check.
x 𝟏
4 =
𝟖
Rewrite each side with the same
𝟏
2 x 𝟏 base; 4 and are powers of 2.
(2 ) = ( 𝟑) 𝟖
𝟐
To raise a power to a power,
22x = 2–3 multiply exponents.

Bases are the same, so the

2x = -3 exponents must be equal.

𝟑
x= - Solve for x.
𝟐
Check
x 𝟏 1 1
4 = 2 3 =
𝟖 8
4
3
4−
2 =
1 1 1
8 2 =
64 8
1 1
3 = 𝟏 𝟏
8 =
42 𝟖 𝟖
𝟑
The solution is x = - .
𝟐
 Matching Activity
• Each group of students have a set of the cards.
• Sort the cards into 3 piles by whichever characteristics you
choose. Sort it into groups of: problems with different bases,
problems with the same base, and solutions.
• 10 minutes to work out all the problems (showing your work
on a separate sheet of paper) and match the cards into 7
sets.
• When you are finished, I will check your work and (if time
allows) your group will show how you completed each
problem and why your group matched the sets in the way
you did.
 Some boxes might
not be used.
Work your way through the maze by solving the exponential equations. Begin at the
“start” box and work your way through the maze until you reach the “finish” box.

𝑥+2 5 2 1
2 =8 9 𝑥−3
= 729 2 =𝑥
Start 32
1 -2 6 -7 -4
𝑥 1 7 3
3 = 55𝑥−12 = 125 4𝑥 + 7= 71
9
-3 -10 12 11 3
5𝑥
2 =8 2𝑥−4 9 4
3= 9 𝑥 -8 Finish