Question

Erika was working on solving the exponential equation 50x = 17; however, she is not quite sure where to start. Using complete sentences, describe to Erika how to solve this equation

Answer 1

Well, you need to get X by itself. Right now, it is being multiplied by 50, and to get it alone, you have to divide by 50, to cancel it out. However, to keep the equation balanced, what you do to one side, you must do to the other, so you have to divide 17 by 50 as well. On the left, the two 50's cancel out so all thats left is X. On the right, you divide 17 by 50, and then you will have X.