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Solving Exponential Equations Using Logarithms

When an exponential equation cannot be easily rewritten so that both sides share the same base, it can be solved by taking the logarithm of both sides. Once the exponential expression is isolated, either the common logarithm or the natural logarithm is applied to both sides of the equation. Then, the Power Property of Logarithms is used to move the variable out of the exponent and turn it into a coefficient, allowing the equation to be solved using standard algebraic techniques. If the exponential base is ee, the natural logarithm is specifically used to simplify the process, since lne=1\ln e = 1.

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Updated 2026-05-25

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Intermediate Algebra @ OpenStax

Ch.10 Exponential and Logarithmic Functions - Intermediate Algebra @ OpenStax

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