What Are Power Equations?

Power equations are equations where the variable is raised to a power $n$, for example $x^n$. You solve power equations by tidying the expression as in the previous posts so that the exponential expression $x^n$, is on its own and not multiplied or divided by anything. At that point you take the $n$th root on both sides, where $n$ is the same as the exponent of $x$.

It is important to remember that if $n$ is an odd number ($x^3$, $x^5$, $x^7$, $\dots$), there will be either a negative or a positive answer. If $n$ is an even number ($x^2$, $x^4$, $x^6$, $\dots$), there is both a positive and a negative solution.

You will have a negative and a positive answer as when you multiply a negative number with itself an even number of times the answer is positive. If you multiply a negative number with itself an odd number of times the answer is negative.

Note! When you have an expression where the percentage or growth factor is unknown you often use $n$th roots to find the answer.