How can I find X? (Exponential Equation)

2^(3x+1) = 3^(x-2)23x+1=3x2

1 Answer
Apr 13, 2017

x = -(ln 2 + 2 ln 3)/(3 ln 2 - ln 3)x=ln2+2ln33ln2ln3

Explanation:

Given:

2^(3x+1) = 3^(x-2)23x+1=3x2

Take logs of both sides to get:

(3x+1)ln 2 = (x-2)ln3(3x+1)ln2=(x2)ln3

Multiply out to get:

(3 ln 2)x + ln 2 = (ln 3)x- 2 ln 3(3ln2)x+ln2=(ln3)x2ln3

Subtract ln 2 + (ln 3)xln2+(ln3)x from both sides to get:

(3 ln 2 - ln 3)x = - ln 2 - 2 ln 3(3ln2ln3)x=ln22ln3

Divide both sides by (3 ln 2 - ln 3)(3ln2ln3) to get:

x = -(ln 2 + 2 ln 3)/(3 ln 2 - ln 3)x=ln2+2ln33ln2ln3