LESSON

16.2 Name Class Date

Solving Exponential 16.2 Solving Exponential Equations

Equations Essential Question: What are some ways you can solve an equation of the form ab x = c,
where a and c are nonzero real numbers and b is greater than 0 and
not equal to 1?
Resource
Common Core Math Standards Locker

The student is expected to: Explore Solving Exponential Equations Graphically

COMMON
CORE F-LE.A.4 One way to solve exponential equations is graphically. First, graph each side of the equation separately. The point(s)
at which the two graphs intersect are the solutions of the equation.
For exponential models, express as a logarithm the solution to ab ct = d
where a, c, and d are numbers and the base b is 2, 10, or e; evaluate the  First, look at the equation 275e 0.06x = 1000. To solve the equation graphically, split it into
logarithm using technology. Also F-IF.C.7e two separate equations.

Mathematical Practices y 1 = 275e 0.06x

COMMON y 2 = 1000
CORE MP.5 Using Tools

Language Objective  What will the graphs of y 1 and y 2 look like?

Have students work with a partner to describe the steps for solving linear, The graph of y 1 will be increasing exponentially, and the graph of y 2 will be a
exponential, and now logarithmic equations algebraically and horizontal line.
graphically.
 Graph y 1 and y 2 using a graphing calculator.

ENGAGE
Essential Question: What are some
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company

ways you can solve an equation of the

form ab x = c, where a and c are nonzero
real numbers and b is greater than 0 The x-coordinate of the point of intersection is approximately 21.5 .

and not equal to 1?
 So, the solution of the equation is x ≈ 21.5 .
You can graph both sides of the equation and look
for the point of intersection, or you can take the Now, look at the equation 10 2x = 10 4. Split the equation into two separate equations.

logarithm of both sides and solve algebraically.
y 1 = 10 2x

y 2 = 10 4
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Equations
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Lesson 2

843

1:00 AM
4/9/14
Module 16

843
6L2.indd
92_U6M1
ESE3898
IN3_MNL

843 Lesson 16.2

  What will the graphs of y 1 and y 2 look like?
The graph of y 1 will be increasing exponentially, and the graph of y 2 will be a EXPLORE
horizontal line.
Solving Exponential Equations
 Graph y 1 and y 2 using a graphing calculator.
Graphically

INTEGRATE TECHNOLOGY
Students have the option of completing the Explore
activity either in the book or online.

 The x-coordinate of the point of intersection is 2 . QUESTIONING STRATEGIES

So, the solution of the equation is x ≈ 2 .
Why would there be no solution if the right

side of the equation were a number less than
Reflect or equal to 0? The graph of the left side of the
1. How can you check the solution of an exponential equation after it is found graphically? equation has a horizontal asymptote at the x-axis,
Substitute the solution in for the value of x in the equation and use a calculator so there would be no intersection point for the two
to evaluate. functions and no value of the domain for which
both functions have the same value.
Explain 1 Solving Exponential Equations Algebraically
In addition to solving exponential equations graphically, exponential equations can be solved algebraically. One way to

EXPLAIN 1
solve exponential equations is to rewrite them in logarithmic form. Another way is to use the Property of Equality for
Logarithmic Equations which states that for any positive numbers x, y, and b (b ≠ 1), log b x = log b y if and only if x = y.

Example 1 Solve the equations. Give the exact solution and an approximate solution © Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company
to three decimal places. Solving Exponential Equations
10 = 5e 4x
Algebraically

10 = 5e 4x Original equation

2=e 4x
Divide both sides by 5. QUESTIONING STRATEGIES
ln 2 = 4x Rewrite in logarithmic form. How do you use the Property of Equality for
___
ln 2
= __
4x
Divide both sides by 4. Exponential Equations to solve the equation
4 4
___
ln 2
=x Simplify. 2 = 8 x + 1? Write both sides of the equation as
6x
4
0.173 ≈ x Evaluate. Round to three decimal places. powers of 2, then set the exponents equal, and
solve for x.

2 6x = (2 3)
x+1

Module 16 844 Lesson 2

6x = 3x + 3
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT x=1
IN3_MNLESE389892_U6M16L2.indd 844 4/9/14 2:07 AM

Learning Progressions Why is it not possible to use the Property of

In previous lessons, students solved exponential equations in which both sides of Equality for Exponential Equations to solve
the equation could be written as powers with the same base. Now that students the equation 2 6x = 10 x + 1? because 2 and 10 cannot
have learned about logarithms, they can solve exponential equations in which the be written as powers of the same base
bases are not the same. Students will solve these exponential equations both
How does the Property of Equality for
graphically and algebraically by taking the logarithm of both sides. Students
Logarithmic Equations enable you to solve the
should notice the similarities between the Property of Equality for Logarithmic
equation 2 6x = 10 x + 1? The bases of the powers do
Equations and the Property of Equality for Exponential Equations.
not need to be the same. You can take the log of
both sides.

Solving Exponential Equations 844

 B 5x - 4 = 7
INTEGRATE MATHEMATICAL 5x - 4 = 7 Original equation
PRACTICES
5 - 4+
x
4 = 7+ 4 Add 4 to both sides.
Focus on Reasoning
5 = 11
x
Simplify.
MP.2 Discuss with students how the Property of
log5x = log 11 Take the common logarithm of both sides.
Equality for Logarithmic Equations can be verified by
applying the definition of a logarithm to the equation x log 5 = log 11 Power Property of Logarithms

log b x = log b y, rewriting it in exponential form. log 11

x = _ Divide both sides by log 5.
If log b x = log b y, then b log y = x.
b
log 5

By the Definition-Based Properties x≈ 1.490 Evaluate. Round to three decimal palces.

of Logarithms, b log b y
= y.
Reflect

Therefore, x = y. 2. Consider the equation 2 x - 3 = 85. How can you solve this equation using logarithm base 2?
Take the logarithm base 2 of both sides. Then rewrite log 2 85 using the Change of Base
Property of Logarithms so the exact solution can be found using a scientific calculator.
AVOID COMMON ERRORS 2 x - 3 = 85
Some students may apply the Property of Equality for log 2 2 x - 3 = log 2 85
Logarithmic Equations incorrectly, taking the log of (x - 3)log 2 2 = log 2 85
each term of an equation. Correct this error, x - 3 = log 2 85
instructing students to try to transform the equation x = log 2 85 + 3 x= ____
log 85
+3 x ≈ 9.409
log 2
so that there is only one term on each side of the
3. Discussion When solving an exponential equation with base e, what is the benefit of taking the natural
equal sign. At that point, they can take the log of the logarithm of both sides of the equation?
expression on each side of the equation. Taking the natural logarithm of both sides will result in ln e on one side, which simplifies to 1.
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company

Your Turn

Solve the equations. Give the exact solution and an approximate solution to three
decimal places.
4. 2e x - 1 + 5 = 80 5. 6 3x = 12
2e x - 1 = 75 log 6 3x = log 12
e x - 1 = 37.5 3x log 6 = log 12
x = _____ ≈ 0.462
log 12
ln e x-1
= ln 37.5 3 log 6
(x - 1)(ln e) = ln 37.5
(x - 1)(1) = ln 37.5
x = ln 37.5 + 1 ≈ 4.624

Module 16 845 Lesson 2

COLLABORATIVE LEARNING
IN3_MNLESE389892_U6M16L2.indd 845 9/9/14 5:46 PM

Peer-to-Peer Activity
Have students work in pairs. Provide each pair with identical sets of several
different exponential equations, and ask them to solve each equation two different
ways. Have pairs share their solutions with the class, comparing their work with
that of the other pairs of students. Discuss the results.

845 Lesson 16.2

 Explain 2 Solve a Real-World Problem by Solving
an Exponential Equation EXPLAIN 2
Suppose that $250 is deposited into an account that pays 4.5% compounded quarterly. The equation A = P (1 + __4r )
n

gives the amount A in the account after n quarters for an initial investment P that earns interest at a rate r. Solve for n
to find how long it will take for the account to contain at least $500.
Solving a Real-World Problem by
Solving an Exponential Equation
Analyze Information
Identify the important information.

• The initial investment P is $ 250 .

QUESTIONING STRATEGIES
• The interest rate is 4.5 %, so r is 0.045 .
When working with a formula that models a
• The amount A in the account after n quarters is $ 500 .
real-world situation, how can you tell whether
you will need to take the log of both sides of the
Formulate a Plan equation? You need to take the log of both sides of
( )
n
Solve the equation for A = P 1 + __4r for n by substituting in the known the equation if the variable for which you are
information and using logarithms.
solving is in the exponent.
Solve

( )
n

0.045
500 = 250 1 + _ Substitute.
4

( )
n
0.045
= 1+_ Divide both sides by 250.
2
4

2 = 1.01125 n
Evaluate the expression in
parentheses.

log 2 = log 1.01125 n Take the common logarithm of

both sides.

log 2 =
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company
n log 1.01125 Power Property of Logarithms

log 2
__ = n Divide both sides by log 1.01125.
log 1.01125

61.96 ≈n Evaluate.

Module 16 846 Lesson 2

DIFFERENTIATE INSTRUCTION
IN3_MNLESE389892_U6M16L2.indd 846 4/9/14 2:07 AM

Multiple Representations
Some students may suggest using the definition of a logarithm to solve an
equation such as 5 x + 3 = 12, rewriting the equation in logarithmic form, and using
the Change of Base Property to solve for x.
x + 3 = log 512
log12
x = _____ - 3 ≈ -1.46
log5
Students should be encouraged to use this alternate method when possible, if they
prefer. Show them how this leads to the same result as taking the log of both sides.

Solving Exponential Equations 846

 Justify and Evaluate
INTEGRATE MATHEMATICAL
PRACTICES It will take about 61.96 quarters, or about 15.5 years, for the account to
contain at least $500.
Focus on Modeling Check by substituting this value for n in the equation and solving for A.
MP.4 Discuss with students how the formula for
( )
61.96
0.045
A = 250 1 + _ Substitute.
compound interest changes for different 4

= 250( 1.01125 )
61.96

compounding periods. Help them to see that the Evaluate the expression in parentheses.

≈ 250( 2 )
value of A increases as the number of compounding
Evaluate the exponent.
periods per year increases. Show how this concept
leads to the formula for situations in which the ≈ 500 Multiply.

interest is compounded continuously. So, the answer is reasonable.

Your Turn

ELABORATE 6. How long will it take to triple a $250 initial investment in an account that pays 4.5% compounded
quarterly?
P = 250; A = 3P = 750; r = 0.045
INTEGRATE MATHEMATICAL (
750 = 250 1 + ____ )
n
0.045

PRACTICES
4
3 = (1.01125)
n

Focus on Technology log 3 = log 1.01125 n

MP.5 Discuss with students how to determine an log 3 = n log 1.01125
n = ________ ≈ 98.2
log 3
appropriate viewing window when solving an log 1.01125
exponential equation graphically. Discuss how the
It will take about 98.2 quarters, or about 24.6 years, to triple.
constants and coefficients in the equation can be used
as a guide. Elaborate
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company

7. Describe how to solve an exponential equation graphically.

An exponential equation can be solved graphically by graphing the two sides of the
QUESTIONING STRATEGIES equation and determining where they intersect.

How does the Property of Equality for 8. Essential Question Check-In Describe how to solve an exponential equation algebraically.
Logarithmic Equations make it possible to An exponential equation can be solved algebraically by taking the logarithm of both sides

solve an exponential equation? It moves the variable of the equation and using the properties of logarithms to evaluate.

out of the exponent so it can be isolated.

SUMMARIZE THE LESSON

What are the steps for solving an exponential
equation algebraically? Transform the Module 16 847 Lesson 2
equation so that there is only one term on each side
of the equal sign. Then take the log (or the ln) of LANGUAGE SUPPORT
both sides of the equation. This moves the variable IN3_MNLESE389892_U6M16L2.indd 847 9/9/14 5:46 PM

out of the exponent(s). Then solve the resulting Communicating Math

equation for the variable. Have students work in pairs to first discuss and then fill in a chart like the
one below.

Equation Algebraic Graphical Summary of

solution solution similarities and
differences
linear
quadratic
exponential

847 Lesson 16.2

 Evaluate: Homework and Practice EVALUATE
• Online Homework
Solve the equations graphically. • Hints and Help
• Extra Practice
1. 4e 0.1x = 60

ASSIGNMENT GUIDE
Concepts and Skills Practice
Explore Exercises 1–5
The x-coordinate of the point where the graphs intersect is ≈ 27.1. So, the Solving Exponential
solution is x ≈ 27.1. Equations Graphically

2. 120e 2x = 75e 3x
Example 1 Exercises 6–11
Solving Exponential
Equations Algebraically
Example 2 Exercises 12–19
Solving a Real-World Problem by
Solving an Exponential Equation

TECHNOLOGY
The x-coordinate of the point at which the graphs intersect is ≈ 0.47. So,
the solution is ≈ 0.47. Have students provide the window they used for
3. 5 = 625e 0.02x
graphing each equation. Have them share their
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company
strategies for determining the windows with their
classmates, so that students who are struggling with
this may gain some insight.

The x-coordinate of the point at which the graphs intersect is ≈ -241.4.

So, the solution is x ≈ -241.4.

Module 16 848 Lesson 2

COMMON
Exercise
IN3_MNLESE389892_U6M16L2.indd 848
Depth of Knowledge (D.O.K.) CORE Mathematical Practices 4/9/14 2:07 AM

1–5 1 Recall of Information MP.2 Reasoning

6–11 1 Recall of Information MP.5 Using Tools
12–19 2 Skills/Concepts MP.4 Modeling
20 2 Skills/Concepts MP.2 Reasoning
21 3 Strategic Thinking MP.3 Logic
22–23 3 Strategic Thinking MP.4 Modeling

Solving Exponential Equations 848

 Solve the equations graphically. Then check your
AVOID COMMON ERRORS solutions algebraically.
It is easy to make errors when entering logarithmic 4. 10e 6x = 5e -3x 5. 450e 0.4x = 2000
expressions on a graphing calculator. Prompt
students to be sure to close the parentheses after
entering the argument for each log. Have them
log12
practice entering expressions such as ___________,
2log5 + log3 The x-coordinate of the point at The x-coordinate of the point at
and checking them for correctness.
which the graphs intersect is ≈ -0.08. which the graphs intersect is x ≈ 3.73.
So, the solution is x ≈ -0.08. So, the solution is x ≈ 3.73.
Check: Check:
10e 6(-0.08)
≈ 5e -3(-0.08)
450e0.4(3.73) ≈ 2000
10e -0.48 ≈ 5e 0.24 450e1.492 ≈ 2000
__
10
≈ ____
e 0.24
2000.69 ≈ 2000
5 e -0.48
2≈e 0.72
The answer is reasonable.
2 ≈ 2.05
The answer is reasonable.

Solve the equations. Give the exact solution and an approximate

solution to three decimal places.
6. 6 3x - 9 - 10 = -3 7. 7e 3x = 42

6 3x - 9 - 10 = -3 7e 3x = 42
6 3x - 9 = 7 e 3x = 6
log 6 3x - 9 = log 7 ln e 3x = ln 6
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company

(3x - 9)log 6 = log 7 3x ln e = ln 6

3x - 9 = ____ 3x (1) = ln 6
log 7
log 6

( ) x = ___
ln 6
x=_ 1 ____ ≈ 0.597
log 7
3 log 6
+ 9 ≈ 3.362 3
2x - 1
_
8. 11 6x + 2 = 12 9. e 3 = 250
_____
-1
= 12 = 250
2x
6x + 2
11 e 3

_____
-1
= log 12 = ln 250
2x
6x + 2
log 11 ln e 3

(6x + 2)log 11 = log 12 ( _____

2x -1
3 )
ln e = ln 250
6x + 2 = ____
log 12
log 11 ( 2x - 1 ( )
______
3 )
1 = ln 250

6x = ____ -2
log 12
2x - 1 = 3 ln 250
log 11

( ) x = ________
3 ln 250 + 1
x=_ 1 ____ ≈ 8.782
log 12
6 log 11
- 2 ≈ -0.161 2

Module 16 849 Lesson 2

IN3_MNLESE389892_U6M16L2.indd 849 4/9/14 2:07 AM

849 Lesson 16.2

 x
10. (10 x) + 90 = 105
_
11. 5 4 = 30
2

_x
INTEGRATE MATHEMATICAL
(10 x)2 + 90 = 105 5 4 = 30 PRACTICES
_x
10 2x = 15 log 5 4 = log 30
Focus on Reasoning
log 10 2x = log 15 _x log 5 = log 30
4 MP.2 Encourage students to check their solutions
x = _____ ≈ 8.453
4 log 30
2x log 10 = log 15
log 5 for correctness by substituting the value into the
2x(1) = log 15
original equation and verifying that it makes the
x = ____
log 15
≈ 0.588
2 equation true. Point out that this will help them
Solve.
identify any errors, and encourage them to double
check that they’ve entered the logarithmic
12. The price P of a gallon of gas after t years is given by the
equation P = P 0( 1 + r ) t, where P 0 is the initial price of gas and expressions correctly in the graphing calculator.
r is the rate of inflation. If the price of a gallon of gas is currently Impress upon students that errors working with these
$3.25, how long will it take for the price to rise to $4.00 if the
rate of inflation is 10.5%? expressions are often a result of missing, or incorrect
4 = 3.25(1.105)
t use of, parentheses.
1.231 ≈ 1.105 t
log 1.231 ≈ log 1.105 t
log 1.231 ≈ t log 1.105
t ≈ ______ ≈ 2
log 1.231
log 1.105
It will take about 2 years for the price of gas to rise to $4.00.

© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ∙ Image Credits: ©Kabby/

13. Finance The amount A in a bank account after t years is given by the equation
A = A 0(1 + _6r ) , where A 0 is the initial amount and r is the interest rate. Suppose
6t

there is $600 in the account. If the interest rate is 4%, after how many years will the
amount triple?

1800 = 600 1 + ___ ( )

6t
0.04
6
(
3 = 1 + ___ )
6t
0.04
6
3 ≈ 1.0067 6t
log 3 ≈ log 1.0067 6t
log 3 ≈ 6t log 1.0067
t ≈ ________ ≈ 27.4
log 3
6 log 1.0067
Shutterstock

The amount in the account will triple after about 27.4 years.

Module 16 850 Lesson 2

IN3_MNLESE389892_U6M16L2.indd 850 9/9/14 5:46 PM

Solving Exponential Equations 850

 14. A baseball player has a 25% chance of hitting a home run during a game. For how
QUESTIONING STRATEGIES many games will the probability of hitting a home run in every game drop to 5%?

When is it preferable to take the natural log, Let n be the number of games.

as opposed to the common log, of both sides P(home run in every game) = 0.25 n
of an exponential equation that models a real-world 0.05 = 0.25 n
situation? when the base of the power in the log 0.05 = log 0.25 n
model is e log 0.05 = n log 0.25
n = ______ ≈ 2
log 0.05
log 0.25
The probability of hitting a home run in every game drops to 5% after about 2 games.
15. Meteorology In one part of the atmosphere where the temperature is a constant
-70 °F, pressure can be expressed as a function of altitude by the equation
P(h) = 128(10)-0.682h, where P is the atmospheric pressure in kilopascals (kPa) and
h is the altitude in kilometers above sea level. The pressure ranges from 2.55 kPa to
22.9 kPa in this region. What is the range of altitudes?
Find the altitude for a pressure of 2.55 kPa.
2.55 = 128(10)-0.0682h
0.0199 ≈ 10 -0.0682h
log 0.0199 ≈ log 10 -0.0682h
log 0.0199 ≈ -0.0682h log 10
log 0.0199 ≈ -0.0682h(1)
h ≈ -_______
log 0.0199
0.0682
≈ 24.94
Find the altitude for a pressure of 22.9 kPa.
22.9 = 128(10)-0.0682h
0.1789 ≈ 10 -0.0682h
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company

log 0.1789 ≈ log 10 -0.0682h

log 0.1789 ≈ -0.0682h log10
log 0.1789 ≈ -0.0682h(1)
h ≈ -_______
log 0.1789
0.0682
≈ 10.96
The altitude ranges from about 10.96 km to about 24.94 km above
sea level.

Module 16 851 Lesson 2

IN3_MNLESE389892_U6M16L2.indd 851 9/9/14 5:46 PM

851 Lesson 16.2

 16. You can choose a prize of either a $20,000 car or one penny on the first day, double
that (2 cents) on the second day, and so on for a month. On what day would you
receive at least the value of the car?
$20,000 is 2,000,000 cents. On day 1, you would
receive 1 cent, or 2 0 cents. On day 2, you would receive
2 cents, or 2 1 cents, and so on. So, on day n you
would receive 2 n - 1 cents.
2 n - 1 = 2,000,000
log 2 n - 1 = log 2,000,000
(n - 1) log 2 = log 2,000,000
n - 1 = _________
log 2,000,000
log 2
n = _________
log 2,000,000
+ 1 ≈ 21.93
log 2
You would receive at least the value of the car on day 22.
17. Population The population of a small coastal resort
town, currently 3400, grows at a rate of 3% per year. This
growth can be expressed by the exponential equation
P = 3400(1 + 0.03) , where P is the population after
t

t years. Find the number of years it will take for the

population to reach 10,000.
10,000 = 3400(1 + 0.03)
t

2.94 ≈ (1.03)
t

log 2.94 ≈ log 1.03 t

log 2.94 ≈ t log 1.03

© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company ∙ Image Credits:

t ≈ ______ ≈ 36.5
log 2.94
log 1.03
It will take about 36.5 years for the population to reach 10,000.
18. A veterinarian has instructed Harrison to give his 75-lb (t)©Destinations/Corbis; (b)©Birgid Allig/Corbis
dog one 325-mg aspirin tablet for arthritis. The amount of
aspirin A remaining in the dog’s body after t minutes can
()
__
t

be expressed by A = 325 __12 15 . How long will it take for the

amount of aspirin to drop to 50 mg?

()
__t
50 = 325 _
1 15

2
__t
0.154 = (0.5) 15
__t
log 0.154 = log (0.5) 15
log 0.154 = __
t
15
log 0.5

(
t = 15 ______
log 0.154
log 0.5
≈ 40.5 )
It will take about 40.5 minutes for the amount of aspirin to drop to 50 mg.

Module 16 852 Lesson 2

IN3_MNLESE389892_U6M16L2.indd 852 9/9/14 5:47 PM

Solving Exponential Equations 852

 19. Agriculture The number of farms in Iowa (in thousands) can be modeled by
N(t) = 119(0.987) , where t is the number of years since 1980. According to the
t

model, when will the number of farms in Iowa be about 80,000?

80 = 119(0.987)
t

0.672 ≈ 0.987 t
log 0.672 ≈ log 0.987 t
log 0.672 ≈ t log 0.987
t ≈ ______ ≈ 30
log 0.672
log 0.987
The number of farms in Iowa will be about 80,000 after about 30 years, or
around 2010.
20. Match the equations with the solutions.
a. 9e 3x = 27
B x ≈ 1.099
b. 9e = 27
x D x ≈ 1.022
c. 9e 3x - 4 = 27 A x ≈ 0.366
d. 9e 3x + 2 = 27 C x ≈ 1.700

9e 3x = 27 9e x = 27
e 3x = 3 ex = 3
ln e 3x = ln 3 ln e x = ln 3
3x ln e = ln 3 x ln e = ln 3
3x(1) = ln 3 x(1) = ln 3 ≈ 1.099
x = ___
ln 3
3
≈ 0.366

9e 3x - 4 = 27 9e x + 2 = 27
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company

e 3x - 4
=3 9e x = 25
ln e 3x - 4 = ln 3 e x = __
25
9
(3x - 4)ln e = ln 3 ln e x = ln __
25
9
(3x - 4)(1) = ln 3 x ln e = ln __
25
9
3x = ln 3 + 4 x(1) = ln __
25
9
≈ 1.022
x = _____
ln 3 + 4
3
≈ 1.700

Module 16 853 Lesson 2

IN3_MNLESE389892_U6M16L2.indd 853 11/09/14 1:47 PM

853 Lesson 16.2

 H.O.T. Focus on Higher Order Thinking
PEER-TO-PEER DISCUSSION
21. Explain the Error A student solved the equation e 4x - 6 = 10 as shown. Find and
correct the student’s mistake. Is there an easier way to solve the problem? Verify that
Have students work with a partner to find two
both methods result in the same answer. different ways of solving the equation 16 x = 32 x - 2
e 4x - 6 = 10 algebraically, one solution without the use of logs,
e 4x = 16
and the other using logs. Have students compare the
log e 4x = log 16
4x log e = log 16 methods, and discuss their similarities with the
4x(1) = log 16 class. To solve without using logs, rewrite each
log 16
x=_ expression as a power of 2, set the resulting
4
x ≈ 0.301 exponents equal, and solve for x, To solve using
The student evaluated log e incorrectly. log e is not equal to 1. The logs, take the log of both sides (ideally, using logs of
student should have evaluated the logarithm correctly or used the
natural log. base 2), apply the Power Property of Logarithms,
and solve the resulting equation for x. Both
e 4x - 6 = 10 e 4x - 6 = 10
methods should lead to the solution x = 10.
e 4x = 16 e 4x = 16
log e = log 16
4x
ln e 4x = ln 16
4 x log e = log 16 4x ln e = ln 16
x = _____ ≈ 0.693
log 16
4x(1) = ln 16
4 log e
x = ____
ln 16
4
≈ 0.693

22. Multi-Step The amount A in an account after t years is given by the equation
A = Pe rt, where P is the initial amount and r is the interest rate.
a. Find an equation that models approximately how long it will take for the initial
amount P in the account to double with the interest rate r. Write the equation in
terms of the interest rate expressed as a percent.

© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company

2P = Pe rt
2 = e rt
ln 2 = ln e rt
ln 2 = rtln e
ln 2 = rt(1)
t = ___
ln 2 ___
0.69
r ≈ r
t ≈ __
69
r
The equation that models approximately how long it will take for the
initial amount to double is t ≈ __
69
r .

Module 16 854 Lesson 2

IN3_MNLESE389892_U6M16L2.indd 854 9/9/14 5:47 PM

Solving Exponential Equations 854

 b. The Rule of 72 states that you can find the approximate time it will take to double
JOURNAL your money by dividing 72 by the interest rate. The rule uses 72 instead of 69
because 72 has more divisors, making it easier to calculate mentally. Use the Rule
Have students describe the methods they have of 72 to find the approximate time it takes to double an initial investment of $300
learned for solving exponential equations. with an interest rate of 3.75%. Determine that this result is reasonable by solving
the equation A = P 0(1.0375) , where A is the amount after t years and P 0 is the
t

initial investment.
t≈ _72
= 19.2
3.75
By the Rule of 72, the amount will double in about 19.2 years.
Check:
600 = 300(1.0375)
t

2 = 1.0375 t
log 2 = log 1.0375 t
log 2 = t log 1.0375
t = _______ ≈ 18.8
log 2
log 1.0375
The results are approximately equal, so 19.2 years is reasonable.
23. Represent Real-World Problems Suppose you have an initial mass M 0 of a
radioactive substance with a half-life of h. Then the mass of the parent isotopes at
time t is P(t) = M 0( __12 ) h . Since the substance is decaying from the original parent
__t

isotopes into the new daughter isotopes while the mass of all the isotopes remains
constant, the mass of the daughter isotopes at time t is D(t) = M 0 - P(t). Find
when the masses of the parent isotopes and daughter isotopes are equal. Explain the
meaning of your answer and why it makes sense.
To find when the masses of the parent isotopes and daughter isotopes are
equal, solve D(t) = P(t)
D(t) = P(t)

() () _
_t _t
M0 - M0 _
1 h
2
= M0 _
1
2
h

= 2 M (_
2)
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company

t
1
M0 0
h

___
M 0
= (0.5)
_ t
h
2M 0
_t
0.5 = (0.5)h
_t
log 0.5 = log (0.5)h
log 0.5 = _
t
h
log 0.5
h=t
The masses of the parent isotopes and daughter isotopes are equal when t = h.
So, the masses of the isotopes will be equal after 1 half-life. This makes sense
because after one half-life, the mass of the parent isotopes will be _
1
2
of the
initial mass. Since the parent isotopes decay into the daughter isotopes, the
other half is now made of daughter isotopes. So, the two masses are equal.

Module 16 855 Lesson 2

IN3_MNLESE389892_U6M16L2.indd 855 4/9/14 2:07 AM

855 Lesson 16.2

 Lesson Performance Task AVOID COMMON ERRORS
n
___
When solving for the exponent of 2 12 , students may
The frequency of a note on the piano, in Hz, is related to its
position on the keyboard by the function f (n) = 440 ⋅ 2 12 , where
__
n take the square root instead of log 2. Explain that you
n is the number of keys above or below the note concert A, would take the square root if 2 were the exponent: n 2.
concert A being the A key above middle C on the piano. Using
this function, find the position n of the key that has a frequency of But, in this problem, n2 is the base, so you need to take
___
110 Hz. Why is this number a negative value?
__
the log base 2: log 2 2 12 = __
n
12
.
110 = 440 ⋅ 2 12
n

__
0.25 = 2 12
n

log 2 0.25 = log 2 2 12

__
n
QUESTIONING STRATEGIES
-2 = __
n
12 What is the rate of growth for the frequencies
-24 = n of the notes on the piano? The rate of growth
24 keys to the left, or below, concert A. is 2 every 12 units.
A negative value for n means that the key is to the left of, or lower on the
How often does the frequency double? every
keyboard than, concert A.
12 keys (every 8 diatonic degrees)

How many keys are in an octave? An octave

is two notes whose frequencies are in a ratio
of 1 to 2. An octave is divided into 12 notes, or keys,
on the keyboard.

© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company • ©Ebby May/Getty Images

Module 16 856 Lesson 2

EXTENSION ACTIVITY
IN3_MNLESE389892_U6M16L2.indd 856 9/9/14 5:48 PM

Have students research the whole tone scale, a scale that has been used in Western
classical music, jazz, and Indian classical music. Have students write the function
w(n) that gives the frequencies of the notes in the scale, and then have them
compare it to the function for the frequencies of piano notes in the Performance
__n
Task. A function that includes the note concert A is w(n) = 440 ∙ 2 6 . The whole
tone scale is a six-note scale corresponding to every other note on the piano
Scoring Rubric
keyboard. 2 points: Student correctly solves the problem and explains his/her reasoning.
1 point: Student shows good understanding of the problem but does not fully
solve or explain his/her reasoning.
0 points: Student does not demonstrate understanding of the problem.

Solving Exponential Equations 856