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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