Solving the Exponential Equation: (125/8) * (125/8)^x = (5/2)^18
This article will guide you through the steps to solve the exponential equation: (125/8) * (125/8)^x = (5/2)^18.
Step 1: Express all terms with the same base
First, we need to express all terms in the equation with the same base. Notice that:
- (125/8) can be rewritten as (5^3)/(2^3)
- (5/2) is already in its simplest form.
Therefore, the equation becomes:
(5^3)/(2^3) * ((5^3)/(2^3))^x = (5/2)^18
Step 2: Simplify the equation using exponent rules
Applying the exponent rule (a^m)^n = a^(m*n), we simplify the left side of the equation:
(5^3)/(2^3) * (5^(3x))/(2^(3x)) = (5/2)^18
Combining the terms with the same base:
(5^(3+3x))/(2^(3+3x)) = (5/2)^18
Step 3: Equate exponents
Now that both sides of the equation have the same base, we can equate the exponents:
(3 + 3x) = 18
Step 4: Solve for x
Solving the linear equation for x:
- 3x = 15
- x = 5
Solution
Therefore, the solution to the equation (125/8) * (125/8)^x = (5/2)^18 is x = 5.