Exponents

[mathmarauder]

HI
my problem is
4^x = 1/8

so i say to myself, what exponent of 4
would allow it to equal 1/8
im using a calculator plugging in numbers for the exponent
andmy answers seem way off.
can someone please tell me how to figure this out?

 

[royhaas]

\(\displaystyle 4^x = 2^{2x} = 1/8 = 2^{-3}\).

 

[mathmarauder]

I think i have been doing too much math.
For whatever reason, I was thinking negative exponents
just meant like -4 x -4 ...
anyhows, thank you very much.

 

[Denis]

Do you understand what Roy told you?

4^x = 1/8

Since 4^x = 2^(2x) and 1/8 = 2^(-3), then : 2^(2x) = 2^(-3) ;
so 2x = -3 ; x = -3/2
See that?

 

[mathmarauder]

some people were just not meant for math, and I am one of them.
I do understand what you just typed.
But please dont make me prove it.