GENERAL

MATHEMATICS

Solving Exponential
Equations and Inequalities
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This handout was designed and written to help you understand the key
concepts of exponential functions, equations and inequalities. To give you
an idea of its importance, exponential functions are appropriate for
modelling population growth for all living things, from bacteria to elephants.
Population growth is being governed by this principle: the larger the
population, the greater the number of offspring. This same principle is
present in many other real-life situations, some of which will be tackled in
this module. The lesson has provided examples and instructions. This
module also consists of different activities to boost your interest and help
you to be engaged in a self-learning process.

The module is composed of lessons, namely:

• Lesson 1 – Distinguishing Exponential Functions, Equations, and
Inequalities
• Lesson 2 – Solving Exponential Equations and Inequalities

After going through this module, you are expected to:

1. represent real-life situations using exponential functions.
2. distinguish exponential functions, exponential equations, and
exponential inequalities; and
3. solve exponential equations and inequalities.

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Lesson 1 – Distinguishing Exponential Functions,
Equations, and Inequalities
In Mathematics, basic properties and theorems make the procedures in
solving mathematical equations and inequalities easy and simple.
Based on our previous activity, we recall the basic properties and
theorems of exponents as follows:

Let 𝑎 and 𝑏 be bases that are greater than zero and not equal to one,
𝑥 and 𝑦 be exponents and are rational numbers. Then,
(1) 𝑎0 = 1 (5) (𝑎 𝑥 )𝑦 = 𝑎 𝑥𝑦

(2) 𝑎−𝑛 =
1 (6) (𝑎𝑏)𝑥 = 𝑎 𝑥 𝑏 𝑥
𝑎𝑛
𝑎 𝑥 𝑎𝑥
(3) 𝑥 𝑦
𝑎 𝑎 =𝑎 𝑥+𝑦 (7) ( ) = 𝑥
𝑏 𝑏
𝑎𝑥
(4) = 𝑎 𝑥−𝑦
𝑎𝑦

Let’s discover a fascinating idea about exponents in this

situation:
Joseph, a licensed civil engineer, is on a job hunt. Two rival companies
offer him a project good for a month. Company A offers 1 million pesos for the
whole duration of the contract while Company B offers to pay him 2 centavos
for day 1, 4centavos for day 2, 8 centavos for day 3, …, or 2𝑛 centavos for 𝑛
days. Which company do you think will pay him more at the end of the month?
Most of us will be quick to answer and take the 1 million-peso offer of
Company A. But let’s try to figure out the salary being offered by Company B.
If Company B offers 2𝑛 centavos for 𝑛 days and we have an average of
30 days in a month, then we compute the salary of Joseph as:
2 + 4 + 8 + 16 + 32 + 64 + 128 + 256 + 512 + 1,024 + 2,048 + 4,096 + 8,192
+ 16,384 + 32,768 + ⋯ + 536,870,912 = 1,073,741,824 𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑣𝑜𝑠
or using exponential form,
2𝑛 = 230 = 1,073,741,824 𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑣𝑜𝑠
That was a lot of centavos, right? And if we convert that into peso, that
is equivalent to 𝑃ℎ𝑝 10,737,418.24.
So, which company offers more?
Exponential functions are also used to model population growth. The
larger the population, the greater the number of offspring. Aside from
population growth, exponential functions also occur when calculating for
compound interest.

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 Growth of viruses can be modeled using exponential functions. The
number of people infected by the virus for some time also involves exponential
functions. Our investments in banks which accumulates compound interests
for a period of time can also be represented using exponential functions. There
are lots of real-life scenarios where we can see the concept of exponential
functions.
Consider the following and try to observe the similarities and differences
of one from the others.
(A) 3𝑥+1 = 27𝑥 (B) 𝑦 = 500𝑥 (C) 10𝑥 ≥ 1000

You probably noticed that all of them involve expressions with a

variable in the exponent. Items (A) and (C) involve only one variable while (C)
expresses a relationship between two variables, the 𝑥 and 𝑦 variables. Lastly,
items (A) and (B) involve an equality since both of them used “equal” sign, but
(C) involves an inequality because it used “greater than or equal to” sign which
is one of the symbols for inequality.
Now let’s define some terminologies essential in this lesson. It is
important for us to understand the similarities and differences between each
term as well as the forms that corresponds to each of them. Try to figure out
those similarities and differences by observing the examples provided.

DEFINITION EXAMPLES
1. 𝑓(𝑥) = (1.23)𝑥
A function of the form 2. 𝑦 = 5003𝑥
Exponential Function 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝒃𝒙 or 𝒚 = 𝒃𝒙 where
𝑏 > 0 and 𝑏 ≠ 1. 1
3. 𝑓(𝑥) = 5 + ( ) 𝑥−1
3
2
The function 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝒆𝒙 , 1. 𝑓(𝑥) = (9)𝑒 𝑥+1
Natural Exponential where the base is 𝑒 whose
2. 𝑦 = (1.08)𝑒 𝑥
Function value is approximately
2.71828 3. 𝑓(𝑥) = 10 + 𝑒 2𝑥
1. 3(10𝑥−2 )
An expression of the
Exponential Expression form 𝒂 ⋅ 𝒃𝒙−𝒄 + 𝒅, where 2. 2020𝑥/2
𝑏 > 0 and 𝑏 ≠ 1. 3. 50𝑥 − 1
1. 3(10𝑥−2 ) = 100
An equation involving 2. 81 = 3𝑥 − 9
Exponential Equation exponential
expressions 1
3. (1.1)𝑥 =
1000
𝑥−2 )
1. 3(10 ≥ 100
An inequality involving
Exponential 2. 7𝑥 < 189
exponential
Inequality
expressions 3. 200 > 10 + 5𝑥

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Notes:
Aside from 𝑓(𝑥), functions can be represented using any other letters
from the alphabet like 𝑔(𝑥), ℎ(𝑥), 𝑖(𝑥), 𝑗(𝑥) and so on. All representations of
functions such as 𝑓(𝑥) and 𝑔(𝑥) can also be written in the form 𝑦 = 𝑏 𝑥 . For
1000𝑥
example, 𝑓(𝑥) = 1000𝑥 − 1 is also equal to 𝑦 = 1000𝑥 − 1 and 𝑔(𝑥) = is the
2𝑥+1
1000𝑥
same as 𝑦 = .
2𝑥+1

Take note also that 𝑓(𝑥) = 3𝑥 is different from

𝑓(𝑥) = 3 . In 𝑓(𝑥) = 3𝑥, 𝑥 is used as a variable with coefficient of 3 while in
𝑥

𝑓(𝑥) = 3𝑥 , 𝑥 is an exponent of base 3. 𝑓(𝑥) = 3𝑥 is an exponential function

while 𝑓(𝑥) = 3𝑥 is not an exponential function but rather a rational function.

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Lesson 2 – Solving Exponential Equations, and
Exponential Inequalities

The fact that exponential functions are one-to-one can be very useful in
solving exponential equations. When we say one-to-one functions, we mean
that every y value of the range can be paired to only one x value of the domain.

One-to-One Property of Exponential Function is defined as follows:

For any real numbers 𝑥 and 𝑏, where 𝑏 > 0 and 𝑏 ≠ 1, if 𝑥1 ≠ 𝑥2

then 𝑏 𝑥1 ≠ 𝑏 𝑥2 . Conversely, if 𝑏 𝑥1 = 𝑏 𝑥2 then 𝑥1 = 𝑥2 .

This means that, the exponents of the exponential equation must be

equal when the bases on both sides of the equation are similar. Using this
property, we can solve for exponential equations by rewriting each side into
exponential form with the same base. Let’s examine the examples that follow.

Example 1. Solve the equation 𝟑𝟐𝒙+𝟏 = 𝟖𝟏.

Solution:
Rewrite 81 into exponential form of
32𝑥+1 = 34 base 3
81 = 3 ⋅ 3 ⋅ 3 ⋅ 3 = 34

Apply the one-to-one property of

2𝑥 + 1 = 4 exponential function by equating the
exponents of both sides with each
other.

Transpose +1 to the other side of the

2𝑥 = 4 − 1 equation. Don’t forget to change the
sign into (-) then simplify.
2𝑥 3
= Divide both sides by 2 to cancel the
2 2 numerical coefficient of 𝑥.
3 3
𝑥= Therefore, 𝑥 is .
2 2

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Let’s take another example.

𝟐 +𝟑
Example 2. Solve the equation 𝟒𝒙 𝟐 = 𝟑𝟐𝒙 .

Solution:
Rewrite both sides into exponential form of
2 3
2 𝑥 +2
(2 ) = (25 )𝑥 similar bases
4 𝑐𝑎𝑛 𝑏𝑒 𝑤𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑡𝑒𝑛 𝑎𝑠 22 , 𝑎𝑛𝑑 32 𝑖𝑠 𝑎𝑙𝑠𝑜 25

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2 (𝑥 2 + ) = 5(𝑥) Equate the exponents
2
3
2𝑥 2 + 3 = 5𝑥 Distribute 2 in 𝑥 2 + 2 , multiply 5 and 𝑥

2𝑥 2 − 5𝑥 + 3 = 0 Transpose into standard form of equation

(2𝑥 − 3)(𝑥 − 1) = 0 Factor the quadratic equation

2𝑥 − 3 = 0 𝑥−1 =0 Equate both factors to 0 then solve for the

2𝑥 3 𝑥=1 values of x.
=
2 2
3 3
𝑥= Therefore, the solutions are 2
and 1.
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In solving exponential inequalities, the value of the base determines the

resulting direction of the inequality as stated in the following properties:

Properties of Exponential Inequalities

For any real numbers 𝑥 and 𝑏, where 𝑏 > 0 and 𝑏 ≠ 1;

If 𝑏 > 1, then the exponential function 𝑦 = 𝑏 𝑥 is increasing for all values

of 𝑥. This means that 𝑏 𝑥 > 𝑏 𝑦 if and only if 𝑥 > 𝑦.
If 0 < 𝑏 < 1, then the exponential function 𝑦 = 𝑏 𝑥 is decreasing for all
values of 𝑥. This means that 𝑏 𝑥 > 𝑏 𝑦 if and only if 𝑥 < 𝑦.

Meaning to say, if the base 𝑏 is greater than 1, the inequality symbol of

the resulting inequality will be the same as the inequality symbol used in the
original inequality having the same bases on both sides. Say the original
inequality uses “>”, then the resulting inequality must be “>” also. On the
other hand, if the base 𝑏 is less than 1, the inequality symbol of the resulting
inequality should face the opposite direction. That is, if it is originally “>” then
you change it into “<”.

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Now, let’s illustrate how to solve exponential inequalities using the example
that follows.
Example 3. Solve the inequality 𝟐𝟓𝒙+𝟏 ≤ 𝟏𝟐𝟓𝒙−𝟏 .
Solution.

Rewrite both sides into similar bases

(52 )𝑥+1 ≤ (53 )𝑥−1
25 𝑖𝑠 52 𝑎𝑛𝑑 125 𝑖𝑠 53 .
52(𝑥+1) ≤ 53(𝑥−1)
Simplify the exponents
52𝑥+2 ≤ 53𝑥−3

Before we proceed, we have to decide about which case are we going to

apply in the stated properties of exponential inequalities. Our common base
is 5 which is greater than 1. So, the inequality can be written as:

Rewrite the exponents using the

2𝑥 + 2 ≤ 3𝑥 − 3
same inequality symbol
Transpose all constant terms on
2 + 3 ≤ 3𝑥 − 2𝑥 one side and all terms with
variables on the other side
5≤𝑥 Simplify the inequality
Therefore, the solution set is [5, +∞). This means that the inequality
will be true for all 𝑥 values greater than or equal to 5. We use “[” since 5 is
included in the solution.

Let’s have another example.

𝟏 𝒙+𝟕 𝟏 𝟐𝒙
Example 4. Solve (𝟑) > (𝟐𝟕) .

1 𝑥+7 1 3(2𝑥) Make the bases on both sides

( ) >( ) similar
3 3
𝑥+7 6𝑥
1 1
( ) >( ) Simplify the exponents
3 3
1
Since the base 3 is less than 1, the inequality will become:

Rewrite the exponents into inequality

𝑥 + 7 < 6𝑥
facing the opposite direction
7 < 6𝑥 − 𝑥 Transpose 𝑥
7 < 5𝑥 Solve for 𝑥
Therefore, the inequality will be
7 satisfied for all values of 𝑥 greater
<𝑥 7 7
5 than 5. In set notation, this is (5 , +∞)
7
where is excluded in the solution.
5

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 It is easy to decide when the bases on both sides of the given
exponential inequality are of the same form – either both are fractions or both
are whole numbers. But what if we combine the two? Let’s take a look on this
one:

𝟏 𝒙
Example 5. Solve the inequality, (𝟐) ≥ 𝟒𝟐𝒙+𝟏 .

This example can be solved in two ways, depending upon the base that we
are going to use.
𝟏
Solution A: Using base 𝟐.

1 −2
𝑥 −2(2𝑥+1) 4 is also equivalent to (2) according
1 1 1
( ) ≥( ) to the theorem 𝑥 −𝑛 =
2 2 𝑥𝑛

1 𝑥 1 −4𝑥−2
( ) ≥( ) Simplify the exponent
2 2
1
Since 2 < 1, we are going to change the direction of the inequality symbol.

Rewrite the exponents. Note that

𝑥 ≤ −4𝑥 − 2
the inequality symbol was changed.
𝑥 + 4𝑥 ≤ −2 Transpose −4𝑥

5𝑥 ≤ −2 Solve for 𝑥

Therefore, all values of 𝑥 less than

2 2
or equal to − 5 are acceptable. In set
𝑥≤−
5 2
notation, this is (−∞, − 5].

Solution B: Using base 𝟐.

1
𝑖𝑠 𝑎𝑙𝑠𝑜 𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑖𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑡𝑜 (2)−1 using
(2−1 )𝑥 ≥ (22 )2𝑥+1 2
1
theorem 𝑥 −𝑛 = 𝑥 𝑛 and 4 is also 22
2−𝑥 ≥ 24𝑥+2 Simplify the exponents

Since 2>1, the inequality symbol will remain the same.

Rewrite the exponents into

−𝑥 ≥ 4𝑥 + 2
inequality
−2 ≥ 4𝑥 + 𝑥 Transpose the terms

−2 ≥ 5𝑥 Simplify
2 Final answer. In set notation, this is
− ≥𝑥 2
also (−∞, − 5].
5

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 Comparing the two solutions, both are leading to the same answer
2 2
which is all values of 𝑥 that are less than or equal to − 5 or the set (−∞, − 5].

Notes:

• Before proceeding to one-to-one property of exponential functions,

make sure that the bases on both sides of the equation or inequality
are the same.
• Don’t forget to multiply or distribute the exponent of the new base
to the existing exponents.
• To check if your solutions are correct, substitute the value/s of 𝑥
you obtained in the original equation or inequality. Observe if it
satisfies the equation or inequality.
• Use “[” or “]” on the set notation to denote that the point/value is
included in the solution. On the other hand, use “(” or “)” if the
point/value is excluded in the solution. Additionally, use
parenthesis for positive and negative infinite values denoted by +∞
and -∞.

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Activities:

A. Determine whether each of the following is (A) Exponential Function, (B)

Exponential Equation or (C) Exponential Inequality or (D) None of these. Write
the letter of your answer on the blank before each number.
3 𝑥 1 1
________1. 𝑦 = 1 + ( )2 ________6. = 𝑥2
5 49 7
________2. 22 (3𝑥−1 ) = 72 ________7. 𝑦 = 5𝑥 3 + 1

________3. 3𝑥 − 5 = 16 ________8. 𝑖(𝑥) = 500 + 5𝑥

________4. 9𝑥 − 1 ≥ 11 ________9. (0.3) < 3(9𝑥 )

________5. 𝑟(𝑥) = 3𝑒 𝑥 _______10. 10 = 52𝑥 )

B. Solve the following exponential equations.

1 𝑥 1 3𝑥+8
1. (25) = (5)
4. 4𝑥+7 = 82𝑥+3

2 −2𝑥 2 1 10
2. 216 = 6 𝑥 5. 10𝑥 ⋅ ( ) =
10
1000𝑥
1 3𝑥+2
3. (11) = 121𝑥−6

A. Solve the given inequalities.

1 3𝑥+1 1 3𝑥
1. (9 ) ≤( )
81

1 2𝑥+3
2. (16)𝑥 > ( )
4

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Assessment:

A. Macth Column α with Column β

Column α Column β

1. A function of the form 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑏 𝑥 a. Exponential Equation

2. An equation involving b. Natural Exponential

exponential expressions Function

3. An expression of the form 𝑎 ⋅ 𝑏 𝑥−𝑐 + 𝑑 c. Exponential Expression

4. An inequality involving d. Exponential Function

exponential expressions

5. A function of the form 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑒 𝑥 e. Exponential Inequality

B. Tell whether the given is an exponential function, exponential equation,

exponential inequality, or none of these.
1. 𝑓(𝑥) = 350𝑥 + 9
2
2. 500 = 2𝑥 +1
𝑥
1 2
3. (3) > 3𝑥 ⋅ 27
2
4. 10003𝑥−0.5 = 𝑦
5. 253𝑥 + 10

C. Solve for the following exponential equations and inequalities.

1. 27𝑥+1 = 9𝑥−1
2
2. 7𝑥 −5 = 2401
2
1 𝑥+ 1
= (3125)𝑥+5
3
3. (125)

1 (𝑥+3) 1 2𝑥−1
4. (2) ≥ (16)

1 𝑥+1
5. (3) < 81
Additional Activities:

A. Tell whether each of the following is an exponential function, an

exponential equation, an exponential inequality or none of these.

1. 𝟒𝟗𝒙 = 𝟕𝟐

2. 𝟑 < 𝟗𝒙

3. 𝒚 = 𝟖𝟏𝒙

4. 𝟑(𝟏𝟓𝒙) = 𝟒𝟓

5. 𝟑 ≥ 𝟗𝒙−𝟏

6. 𝒚 = 𝟏. 𝟐𝟓𝒙

7. 𝟏𝟖𝒙 = 𝟗𝟐

8. 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝟐(𝟓𝒙 ) + 𝟏

9. 𝟐𝟑 > 𝟐 ⋅ 𝟕𝒙

𝟏 𝒙
10. (𝟑) = 𝟖𝟏

B. Solve the given equations and inequalities.

𝟏 𝒙−𝟔
1. 𝟒𝒙 = ( )
𝟐

2. 162−𝑥 = 42𝑥+8

813𝑥+2
3. = 81
𝟐𝟒𝟑−𝒙

1 𝑥+2
4. 25𝑥−3 ≤ ( )
125

1 2𝑥−2
5. ( ) ≤ 81𝑥+4
27
References

K to 12 Curriculum Most Essential Learning Competencies Matrix, Senior

High School Core Subjects, General Mathematics, pages 422-424.

Oronce, O. A. (2016). Functions. In General Mathematics (pp. 107- 138).

Quezon City: Rex Publishing.

Teaching Guide for Senior High School General Mathematics [PDF]. (2016). Commission on
Higher Education.(pp105-109)

General Mathematics Learner's Material [PDF]. (2016). Department of Education.

Stewart, J., Redlin, L., & Watson, S. (n.d.). Chapter 5 Exponential and Logarithmic
Functions. In Thomson Asian Edition Algebra and Trigonometry (Second Edition ed.,
pp. 374-389).