Question

Solve the exponential equation: 3- x = 1

Answer 1

$~\hspace{7em}\textit{negative exponents} \\\\ a^{-n} \implies \cfrac{1}{a^n} ~\hspace{4.5em} a^n\implies \cfrac{1}{a^{-n}} ~\hspace{4.5em} \cfrac{a^n}{a^m}\implies a^na^{-m}\implies a^{n-m} \\\\[-0.35em] \rule{34em}{0.25pt}\\\\ 3^{2-x}=1\implies 3^2\cdot 3^{-x}=1\implies 3^2\cdot \cfrac{1}{3^x}=1\implies \cfrac{3^2}{3^x}=1 \\\\\\ 3^2=3^x\implies 2=x$