exponential equation: 5^(1-2x) = 1/5

I've started out with (1-2x)log(5)=log1/5

Is this the right path?

Question

exponential equation: 5^(1-2x) = 1/5

I've started out with  (1-2x)log(5)=log1/5

Is this the right path?

campbell_st · Answer

1/5 - 5^(-1) so equating powers


1 - 2x = -1

-2x = -2

x = 1

kinggeorge · Answer

$$5^{1-2x}={1 \over 5}=5^{-1}$$Take log base 5 of both sides.$$\log_5{5^{1-2x}}=\log_5{5^{-1}}$$So you get$$1-2x=-1$$Thus, $x=1$.

anonymous · Answer

oooooh ok, I totlaly forgot about that rule. It's coming back now. I was getting laws mixed up. Too many to remember! I know exactly what you're talking about now.

anonymous · Answer

Ok Yes you are doing it right!!!  From where you left off.
(1-2x)log(5)=log(1/5)
(1-2x)=log(1/5)/log(5)     -----Divide the log(5)
(1-2x)=  -1                     -----log(1/5)/log(5) is just -1
1-2x-1=  -1-1
-2x= -2
x= 1

anonymous · Answer

@Romero awesome, thank you. this helps tremendouly. Logs have been my enemy this semester!!!