2017 Edexcel Summer 2017 Q18) 16^1/5 × 2^x = 8^3/4 Work out the exact value of x

As this is a calculator paper, it is acceptable to use one. The first step to calculating the exact value of x is to make it the subject of the equation (i.e. moving it to its own side)2^x = (8^3/4)/(16^1/5)Convert 8 and 16 into same common base (i.e. 2)8 = 2^3 16 = 2^4 2^x = (2^9/4)/(2^4/5)With indices, when you divide you subtract (use calculator if needed)9/4 - 4/5 = 45/20 -16/20 = 29/20 or 1.45So 2^x = 2^1.45, therefore x = 1.45