The tip
When an equation has a variable in the exponent, rewrite both sides as powers of the same base. Then the exponents must be equal, and you are solving a simple linear equation.
Try it
If 2^(x + 3) = 32, what is the value of x?
- A1
- B2
- C3
- D5
Reveal answer
Answer: B. 2
32 = 2^5, so 2^(x + 3) = 2^5. That means x + 3 = 5, so x = 2. Check: 2^(2 + 3) = 2^5 = 32.
Go deeper: What's on the SAT Math section (College Board)
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