Precalculus Examples

$2^{x - 3} = 16$

Step 1

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

$2^{x - 3} = 2^{4}$

Step 2

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

$x - 3 = 4$

Step 3

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

Tap for more steps...

Step 3.1

Add $3$ to both sides of the equation.

$x = 4 + 3$

Step 3.2

Add $4$ and $3$ .

$x = 7$