16Hit1600
Advanced MathVery hardExponential equation solved by substitution

Advanced Math practice question

The equation 4ˣ − 2ˣ − 2 = 0 has exactly one real solution. What is it?

Answer: 1

Let u = 2ˣ, so 4ˣ = u². Then u² − u − 2 = 0 gives (u − 2)(u + 1) = 0. Since 2ˣ is positive, u = 2 and x = 1.

Common wrong answers

If you answered 0
0 gives 1 − 1 − 2 = −2.
If you answered 2
2 is the value of 2ˣ, not x.
If you answered -1
−1 is the rejected value of u.

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