EXPONENTIAL FUNCTIONS Solving Exponential Equations (Page 4 of 6)

Now we will solve the equation 3^(2x+1) = 5^(x+2). Because this equation involves two exponential functions with very close bases, the intersection method is not well suited (the graphs would be too close to each other). Let's use the x-intercept method instead.

First set the equation equal to zero: 3^(2x+1)-5^(x+2) = 0. Consider the expression on the left side of the equation to be the function f(x) = 3^(2x+1)-5^(x+2). Enter this function as Y1.

 Y= key. (Clear the previous functions)

 3 Caret key. Left parenthesis key. 2 X,T,theta,n key. Plus key. 1 Right parenthesis key. Minus key. 5 Caret key. Left parenthesis key.
 X,T,theta,n key. Plus key. 2 Right parenthesis key.

 Calculator screen image.
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