What is the value of [tex]\( x \)[/tex] if [tex]\( 9^{x-1} - 2 = 25 \)[/tex]?

A. [tex]\( x = \frac{1}{2} \)[/tex]
B. [tex]\( x = 2 \)[/tex]
C. [tex]\( x = \frac{5}{2} \)[/tex]
D. [tex]\( x = 4 \)[/tex]



Answer :

To solve the equation [tex]\( 9^{x-1} - 2 = 25 \)[/tex], follow these steps:

1. Start with the given equation:
[tex]\[ 9^{x-1} - 2 = 25 \][/tex]

2. Isolate the term involving the exponent by adding 2 to both sides of the equation:
[tex]\[ 9^{x-1} = 27 \][/tex]

3. Recognize that 27 can be written as a power of 3. Recall that [tex]\( 9 = 3^2 \)[/tex] and [tex]\( 27 = 3^3 \)[/tex]. Rewrite the equation using these bases:
[tex]\[ (3^2)^{x-1} = 3^3 \][/tex]

4. Simplify the left-hand side using the properties of exponents [tex]\((a^m)^n = a^{mn}\)[/tex]:
[tex]\[ 3^{2(x-1)} = 3^3 \][/tex]

5. Since the bases are the same, set the exponents equal to each other:
[tex]\[ 2(x-1) = 3 \][/tex]

6. Solve for [tex]\( x \)[/tex]:
[tex]\[ 2x - 2 = 3 \][/tex]

7. Add 2 to both sides to isolate the term with [tex]\( x \)[/tex]:
[tex]\[ 2x = 5 \][/tex]

8. Divide both sides by 2:
[tex]\[ x = \frac{5}{2} \][/tex]

Therefore, the value of [tex]\( x \)[/tex] that satisfies the equation [tex]\( 9^{x-1} - 2 = 25 \)[/tex] is:

[tex]\[ x = \frac{5}{2} \][/tex]

Given the options:
- [tex]\( x = \frac{1}{2} \)[/tex]
- [tex]\( x = 2 \)[/tex]
- [tex]\( x = \frac{5}{2} \)[/tex]
- [tex]\( x = 4 \)[/tex]

The correct answer is:

[tex]\[ x = \frac{5}{2} \][/tex]

This corresponds to the third option.