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Since multiplication is commutative, we can rearrange the problem:
Using the properties of exponents, we have:
Again, multiplication is commutative, so we rearrange the problem; then we use the product property of exponents:
Using the properties of exponents, we have:
Again, multiplication is commutative, so we rearrange the problem; then we use the product property of exponents:
An equation without exponents and two variables, is typically a straight line. All the points on the line with integer coordinates are solutions of the equation. Since x and y have to be positive as well, there aren't that many solutions.
Let's see where the line crosses the x-axis, it is where y=0:
x/0.5 + 0 = 18, so x=9 at the intercept. y=0 there, so this is a point on the line, but not a solution to the question (y was supposed to be positive).
Possible values for x are thus limited to 1,2,3,4,5,6 and 7. You can try them all (ie., solve the equation with them) and see for which x values the y is also positive and integer.
You will find that x=4, y=2 is the only pair that satisfies these conditions.
Let's see where the line crosses the x-axis, it is where y=0:
x/0.5 + 0 = 18, so x=9 at the intercept. y=0 there, so this is a point on the line, but not a solution to the question (y was supposed to be positive).
Possible values for x are thus limited to 1,2,3,4,5,6 and 7. You can try them all (ie., solve the equation with them) and see for which x values the y is also positive and integer.
You will find that x=4, y=2 is the only pair that satisfies these conditions.