Expert: Bobby Soltani - 1/10/2005

Question
how would u solve 0.5=3^2a-1

Answer
Hi PK,

Here is how I would solve it.

0.5 = 3^(2a) - 1
add 1 to both sides
1.5 = 3^(2a)
ln of both sides
ln 1.5 = ln (3^(2a))
bring the (2a) down.  This is a property of ln
ln 1.5 = 2a*ln(3)
divide both sides by (2*ln(3)
a = (ln 1.5)/(2*ln 3)
a = 0.1845

That's it.  Let me know if you have questions.

Bobby