Question

A student is solving the equation 2^x – 1 = 16^x + 2.
Step 1: 2^x – 1 = 16^x + 2
Step 2: 2^x – 1 = (2^4)^x + 2
Step 3: 2^x – 1 = 2^4x + 8
Which is the next step?

Answer 1

2(x 1) = 4(x + 2)

x - 1 = 4x + 8

x - 1 = x + 2

x - 1 = (4x + 8)

Answer 2

In your original question, do you mean "2^x-1" or "2^(x-1)"?

Answer 3

@barrycarter 2^(x-1)