
1-9 Equations solved by taking out a common factor
Point 9 of 11 — Unit 1: Powers of Powers and Exponential EquationsQuestion bank: 0 questions (0 with pictures)
09 1-9 Equations solved by taking out a common factor
- When powers of the same base are added, factor out the smallest power.
- Example: 2x+1 + 2x = 24 → 2x (2 + 1) = 24 → 2x = 8 → x = 3.
- Example: 5x+2 − 5x = 120 → 5x (25 − 1) = 120 → 5x = 5 → x = 1.
- Never "cancel" a sum of powers by subtracting exponents — that is the trap this method avoids.
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