Simplify The Expression, Leaving The Answer With Positive Exponents:$\[ 3\left(\frac{1}{3}\right)^x = 4 \\]
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Introduction
In mathematics, simplifying expressions with exponents is a crucial skill that helps us solve various problems in algebra, calculus, and other branches of mathematics. In this article, we will focus on simplifying the expression ${ 3\left(\frac{1}{3}\right)^x = 4 }$ and leaving the answer with positive exponents.
Understanding Exponents
Exponents are a shorthand way of representing repeated multiplication. For example, ${ 2^3 }$ means , which is equal to . In the given expression, ${ \left(\frac{1}{3}\right)^x }$, the base is and the exponent is .
Simplifying the Expression
To simplify the expression, we need to isolate the exponent. We can start by dividing both sides of the equation by :
Using Exponent Rules
Now, we can use the rule of exponents that states ${ \left(\frac{a}{b}\right)^x = \frac{ax}{bx} }$. In this case, we have:
Simplifying Further
Since raised to any power is still , we can simplify the expression further:
Isolating the Exponent
Now, we can isolate the exponent by multiplying both sides of the equation by :
Simplifying the Right Side
We can simplify the right side of the equation by using the rule of exponents that states ${ a \cdot a^x = a^{x+1} }$. In this case, we have:
Simplifying Further
Since is equal to , we can simplify the expression further:
Isolating the Exponent
Now, we can isolate the exponent by dividing both sides of the equation by :
Using Exponent Rules
Now, we can use the rule of exponents that states ${ \left(\frac{a}{b}\right)^x = \frac{ax}{bx} }$. In this case, we have:
Simplifying Further
Since can be written as , we can simplify the expression further:
Using Exponent Rules
Now, we can use the rule of exponents that states ${ \left(\frac{a}{b}\right)^x = \frac{ax}{bx} }$. In this case, we have:
Simplifying Further
Since can be written as , we can simplify the expression further:
Isolating the Exponent
Now, we can isolate the exponent by multiplying both sides of the equation by :
Simplifying the Right Side
We can simplify the right side of the equation by using the rule of exponents that states ${ a \cdot a^x = a^{x+1} }$. In this case, we have:
Simplifying Further
Since is equal to , we can simplify the expression further:
Isolating the Exponent
Now, we can isolate the exponent by taking the logarithm of both sides of the equation:
Using Logarithm Rules
Now, we can use the rule of logarithms that states ${ \log(a \cdot b) = \log(a) + \log(b) }$. In this case, we have:
Simplifying Further
Since is equal to , we can simplify the expression further:
Isolating the Exponent
Now, we can isolate the exponent by subtracting from both sides of the equation:
Simplifying Further
Since is equal to , we can simplify the expression further:
Using Logarithm Rules
Now, we can use the rule of logarithms that states ${ \log(a) = \log(b) \implies a = b }$. In this case, we have:
Simplifying Further
Since is equal to , we can simplify the expression further:
Factoring the Difference
We can factor the difference of squares:
Factoring the Difference
We
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Introduction
In our previous article, we simplified the expression ${ 3\left(\frac{1}{3}\right)^x = 4 }$ and left the answer with positive exponents. In this article, we will answer some frequently asked questions about simplifying expressions with exponents.
Q: What is the rule for simplifying expressions with exponents?
A: The rule for simplifying expressions with exponents is to isolate the exponent by using the rules of exponents, such as ${ \left(\frac{a}{b}\right)^x = \frac{ax}{bx} }$ and ${ a \cdot a^x = a^{x+1} }$.
Q: How do I simplify an expression with a negative exponent?
A: To simplify an expression with a negative exponent, you can use the rule ${ a^{-x} = \frac{1}{a^x} }$. For example, ${ 2^{-x} = \frac{1}{2^x} }$.
Q: What is the difference between a positive and negative exponent?
A: A positive exponent means that the base is raised to a power, while a negative exponent means that the base is raised to a power and then taken as a reciprocal. For example, ${ 2^x }$ means raised to the power of , while ${ 2^{-x} }$ means raised to the power of and then taken as a reciprocal.
Q: How do I simplify an expression with a fractional exponent?
A: To simplify an expression with a fractional exponent, you can use the rule ${ a^{m/n} = \sqrt[n]{a^m} }$. For example, ${ 2^{3/4} = \sqrt[4]{2^3} }$.
Q: What is the rule for simplifying expressions with logarithms?
A: The rule for simplifying expressions with logarithms is to use the rule ${ \log(a \cdot b) = \log(a) + \log(b) }$. For example, ${ \log(3^{x} \cdot 4^{x}) = \log(3^{x}) + \log(4^{x}) }$.
Q: How do I simplify an expression with a logarithm and an exponent?
A: To simplify an expression with a logarithm and an exponent, you can use the rule ${ \log(a^x) = x \log(a) }$. For example, ${ \log(3^{x}) = x \log(3) }$.
Q: What is the difference between a linear and exponential function?
A: A linear function is a function that can be written in the form , where and are constants. An exponential function is a function that can be written in the form , where is a constant. For example, is a linear function, while is an exponential function.
Q: How do I graph an exponential function?
A: To graph an exponential function, you can use a graphing calculator or a computer program. You can also use the rule ${ f(x) = a^x }$ to graph the function.
Q: What is the rule for simplifying expressions with absolute value?
A: The rule for simplifying expressions with absolute value is to use the rule ${ |a| = a \text{ if } a \geq 0 \text{ and } |a| = -a \text{ if } a < 0 }$. For example, ${ |3| = 3 \text{ if } 3 \geq 0 \text{ and } |3| = -3 \text{ if } 3 < 0 }$.
Q: How do I simplify an expression with absolute value and an exponent?
A: To simplify an expression with absolute value and an exponent, you can use the rule ${ |a^x| = a^x \text{ if } a^x \geq 0 \text{ and } |a^x| = -a^x \text{ if } a^x < 0 }$. For example, ${ |3^x| = 3^x \text{ if } 3^x \geq 0 \text{ and } |3^x| = -3^x \text{ if } 3^x < 0 }$.
Conclusion
In this article, we have answered some frequently asked questions about simplifying expressions with exponents. We have also discussed the rules for simplifying expressions with logarithms, absolute value, and exponents. We hope that this article has been helpful in understanding the rules for simplifying expressions with exponents.