An exponential equation is an equation where an exponent in the equation contains a variable. If the bases of the exponential equation are equal, then all you need to do is set the exponents equal to each other then solve for the variable. However, when the bases of the equation are not the same, you must use logarithms to find the solution. The TI-30X scientific calculator is made especially to solve problems in physics, math and engineering. One of the many functions of the calculator is solving logarithmic equations of both base 10 and natural logs of base e.
Enter the base of the term on the left side of the equation then press "LOG." Write the value down. For example, for the equation 3^(2x+1) = 15, enter "15" then "LOG" into the TI-30X.
Enter the base of the term on the right side of the equation then press "LOG." Write down the value. For example, for the equation 3^(2x+1) = 15, enter "3" then "LOG" into the TI-30X.
Enter the value of the log of the non-exponential term into the calculator, press "÷", then enter the value of the log of the exponential term. For example, for the exponential equation 3^(2x+1) = 15 with log(15) = 1.176 and log(3) = 0.477, enter "1.176," then "÷," then "0.477," then "=" into the TI-30X.
Solve for x. For example, for the exponential equation 3^(2x+1) = 15 with log(15) / log(3) = 2.465, the equation becomes: 2x + 1 = 2.465. Solve for x by entering "2.465," then "-," then "1," then "Ã" then "2," then "=" into the TI-30X. This equates to approximately x = 0.732.
About the Author
Luc Braybury began writing professionally in 2010. He specializes in science and technology writing and has published on various websites. He received his Bachelor of Science in applied physics from Armstrong Atlantic State University in Savannah, Ga.
Photo Credits
Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images