Question

solve: $2^{3x - 1} = 16^{x}$
select one:
a. $x = \frac{5}{3}$
b. $x = -1$
c. $x = \frac{1}{2}$
d. $x = 1$

Explanation:

Step1: Rewrite base to match

$16 = 2^4$, so $16^x = (2^4)^x = 2^{4x}$

Step2: Set exponents equal

Since bases are equal, $3x - 1 = 4x$

Step3: Solve for x

$3x - 4x = 1$
$-x = 1$
$x = -1$

Answer:

B. $x = -1$