SEQULE

Precalculus

Precalculus

Exponential Equations

Match the bases, then match the exponents.

Concept

Same base, same exponent

If b^m = b^n with b > 0 and b ≠ 1, then m = n. So rewriting both sides with a common base solves most textbook exponentials without logs.

When the bases refuse to match, take a log of both sides and bring the exponent down front.

b^m = b^n ⟹ m = n