Question

How do solve this equation for x?
1/25 = 5^x + 4

Answer 1

like this ?

Answer 2

well rewrite 1/25 as a power of 5

\[5^{-2} = 5^{x + 4}\]

now you have the same bases equate the power

-2 =x + 4

now just solve for x

Answer 3

keep in mind that \(\bf a^{-n} = \cfrac{1}{a^n}\) thus as campbell_st said, \(\bf \cfrac{1}{25}\implies \cfrac{1}{5^2}\implies 5^{-2}\)