Find a simplified value for x by inspection. Do not use a calculator.

Question

(a)
log5(25) = x

(b)
log2(16) = x

Answer 1

a. 5^x = 25.
5^x = 5^2.
If 2 equal numbers have equal bases,
their exponents are also equal:
X = 2.

b. 2^x = 16.
2^x = 2^4.
X = 4.