Solve for x if 2 raised to the power x equals 32.
Ax = 4
Bx = 6
Cx = 5
Dx = 16
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: C. x = 5
1. This is an exponential equation, because the unknown sits in the exponent.
2. The method is to write both sides as a single term with the same base.
3. The left side already uses base 2.
4. Write 32 as a power of 2 by doubling: 2, 4, 8, 16, 32.
5. That is five doublings, so 32 equals 2 raised to the power 5.
6. With the same base on both sides, the exponents can be equated, giving x equal to 5.
7. Answering 16 confuses the value of 32 divided by 2 with the exponent itself.
_Source: Siyavula Mathematics Grade 10 (Everything Maths, CC BY 4.0), Chapter 2: Exponents_