Problem 101

Question

Solve each equation. $$ 5^{x^{2}-12}=25^{2 x} $$

Step-by-Step Solution

Verified
Answer
The solutions to the equation are \(x = 6\) and \(x = -2\).
1Step 1: Make the Bases the Same
Rewrite 25 as \(5^2\). This gives the equation: \(5^{x^{2}-12} = (5^2)^{2x}\).
2Step 2: Simplify the Equation
Now we simplify the equation to have a single power of 5 on each side. This gives: \(5^{x^{2}-12} = 5^{4x}\).
3Step 3: Set the Exponents Equal to Each Other
If the bases are equal, then the exponents must also be equal. So, we set them equal: \(x^2 - 12 = 4x\).
4Step 4: Solve the Quadratic Equation
Rearrange the terms and simplify into a standard quadratic form to find the roots. The quadratic equation becomes: \(x^2 - 4x - 12 = 0\). Factoring the equation yields \((x-6)(x+2) = 0\).
5Step 5: Solve for x
Setting each factor equal to zero gives the solutions: \(x = 6\) or \(x = -2\).