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Solving Equations

The following has caught me out;

2^x = 512

I have no idea where to start, but I think the use of logs is needed?

Could someone point me in the right direction?

Rep for useful response!

Reply 1

Intriguing Alias

Original post by MrBlackwood

The following has caught me out;

2^x = 512

I have no idea where to start, but I think the use of logs is needed?

Could someone point me in the right direction?

Rep for useful response!

Take log base 2 of both sides (or if your calculator doesn't support that - just take regular logs of both sides).

This is one of the most basic logarithm questions - have you studied logs properly yet? :smile:

Reply 2

MrBlackwood

Original post by hassi94

Thank you!!

And no, haha. We were taught the rules in 3 minutes and expected to be experts with no further teaching

Reply 3

Josephdude

Or if you have a calculator...you can simply divide 512 by 2 for 9 times...

hence you get 2^9 = 512...

(but taking log I think is the better option)