Question

How do you solve 4^x=20

Answer 1

Are you supposed to use a calculator for this problem or not?

Answer 2

It would be hard to do without. I know I can't do logarithms in my head.

Answer 3

Well it's possible that her instructor doesn't want an exact answer. That's why I'm curious.

Answer 4

The calculator is allowed.

Answer 5

Ok. Your going to convert to a logarithm. A log means that: the BASE of the log TO THE POWER of the ANSWER of the LOG will equal the number that's in ur log.

Answer 6

But what your going to have to do is the change of base formula.

Answer 7

Do you know how to do that?

Answer 8

no

Answer 9

ok. So what we're going to have after you convert to the form of the log is \[\log_{4} 20 = x\]

Answer 10

To find the answer of this we need to use the change of base formula. The change of base formula says that you take the log of your argument (20) and divide it by the log of your base (4).

Answer 11

When you do this, you should get the correct answer. But check to be sure if possible.