Expert: Steve Holleran - 9/2/2008

Question
consider the linear equation

4^x=8x   (four exponent x = 8 times x)

you can solve this equation intuitively by saying x=2.

because 4 exp 2=16 and 8 times 2 =16.

my question : how can this be done manually showing every step.

Answer
Hi Molulaqhooa,

Well, the equation is not linear, but in any case I don't know of any algebraic way of solving it.  Probably what my students would do is to solve it graphically, say on a graphing calculator, by graphing the two functions and finding the point of intersection.

Steve