Multiple choice

Solve the following equation for x: 3x – 3x – 1 = 486

  1. 7

  2. 4

  3. 5

  4. 6
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Interpret the equation as 3^x - 3^(x-1) = 486. Factoring gives 3^(x-1)(3 - 1) = 486, so 3^(x-1) = 243 = 3^5. Therefore x = 6.

AI explanation

Factor out 3^(x-1) from the left side of the equation to get 3^(x-1) * (3^1 - 1) = 486. Simplify the expression inside the parentheses to get 3^(x-1) * 2 = 486. Divide both sides by 2 to obtain 3^(x-1) = 243. Since 243 is equal to 3^5, set the exponents equal to each other: x - 1 = 5. Solving for x gives x = 6.

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