Solve the equation 5^x = 8, giving your answer to 3 significant figures.

Since there is an x written as a power here, it suggests that this question should be solved using logs (here assume I am using the natural logarithm, which has base e). Taking logs of both sides of the equation gives log5x = log8 Using the rule logab = bloga, the equation becomes xlog5 = log8 If we then divide the equation through by log5, we see that x = log8/log5 = 1.29

HM
Answered by Hannah M. Maths tutor

22286 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

How do I differentiate an algebraic expression? (e.g. y=3x^4 - 8x^3 - 3) [the ^ represents x being raised to a power]


How do you find the point or points of intersection of a straight line and a circle?


Express 4 sin(x) – 8 cos(x) in the form R sin(x-a), where R and a are constants, R >0 and 0< a< π/2


How do you 'rationalise the denominator'?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning