Algebra Examples

$2^{2 x - 1} = 16$

Step 1

Create equivalent expressions in the equation that all have equal bases.

$2^{2 x - 1} = 2^{4}$

Step 2

Since the bases are the same, then two expressions are only equal if the exponents are also equal.

$2 x - 1 = 4$

Step 3

Solve for $x$ .

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Step 3.1

Move all terms not containing $x$ to the right side of the equation.

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Step 3.1.1

Add $1$ to both sides of the equation.

$2 x = 4 + 1$

Step 3.1.2

Add $4$ and $1$ .

$2 x = 5$

Step 3.2

Divide each term in $2 x = 5$ by $2$ and simplify.

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Step 3.2.1

Divide each term in $2 x = 5$ by $2$ .

$\frac{2 x}{2} = \frac{5}{2}$

Step 3.2.2

Simplify the left side.

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Step 3.2.2.1

Cancel the common factor of $2$ .

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Step 3.2.2.1.1

Cancel the common factor.

$\frac{2 x}{2} = \frac{5}{2}$

Step 3.2.2.1.2

Divide $x$ by $1$ .

$x = \frac{5}{2}$

Step 4

The result can be shown in multiple forms.

Exact Form:

$x = \frac{5}{2}$

Decimal Form:

$x = 2.5$

Mixed Number Form:

$x = 2 \frac{1}{2}$