Solve the exponential equation. Express irrational solutions as decimals correct to the nearest thousandth.

[tex] \left(\frac{1}{2}\right)^x = 6 [/tex]

Select the correct choice below and, if necessary, fill in the answer box to complete your choice.

A. The solution set is \{ [tex]\square[/tex] \}. (Round to the nearest thousandth as needed. Use a comma to separate answers as needed.)

B. The solution is the empty set.



Answer :

To solve the exponential equation \(\left(\frac{1}{2}\right)^x = 6\), we need to find the value of \(x\) that makes the equation true. Here's a step-by-step process:

1. Rewrite the equation in logarithmic form:
[tex]\[\left(\frac{1}{2}\right)^x = 6\][/tex]

This can be transformed using logarithms. Recall that \(a^x = b\) is equivalent to \(x = \log_a(b)\). Therefore:
[tex]\[x = \log_{1/2}(6)\][/tex]

2. Convert the base of the logarithm:
Using the change of base formula for logarithms, \(\log_a(b) = \frac{\log_c(b)}{\log_c(a)}\) where \(c\) is any positive value (commonly 10 or \(e\)), we can write:
[tex]\[x = \frac{\log(6)}{\log(1/2)}\][/tex]

3. Evaluate the logarithms:
Plugging in the values (using natural logarithm in this case):
[tex]\[\log(6) \approx 1.792\][/tex]
[tex]\[\log(1/2) \approx -0.693\][/tex]

4. Calculate the value of \(x\):
[tex]\[x = \frac{1.792}{-0.693} \approx -2.585\][/tex]

5. Round to the nearest thousandth:
The value of \(x\) is already expressed to the nearest thousandth, so:
[tex]\[x \approx -2.585\][/tex]

Thus, the solution to the equation \(\left(\frac{1}{2}\right)^x = 6\) rounded to the nearest thousandth is:
[tex]\[x \approx -2.585\][/tex]

### Final Answer:
A. The solution set is [tex]\(\{-2.585\}\)[/tex].

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