16Hit1600
Advanced MathVery hardExponential equation solved by substitution

Advanced Math practice question

If 9ˣ − 3ˣ − 6 = 0, what is the value of x?

Answer: 1

Let u = 3ˣ, so 9ˣ = u²: u² − u − 6 = (u − 3)(u + 2) = 0. Since u > 0, u = 3, so x = 1.

Common wrong answers

If you answered 2
2 gives 81 − 9 − 6 = 66.
If you answered 3
3 is the value of 3ˣ, not x.
If you answered -2
−2 is the rejected value of u.

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