Problem 4

Solve the equation for x: .

[Problem submitted by Steve Lee, LACC Professor of Mathematics.]

Solution for Problem 4:

→

→ --9+9=0→-9=0

→ =0→= 1, 3, or -3.

= 1→ the base 2- 1=1.∴≠1

= -3 makes the base 2- 1<0.

∴≠-3

∴ 3 is the only solution.