The equation $a^x=y$ is an example of a general exponent equation (indicial equation) and $2^x = 32$ is an example of a more specific exponential equation (indicial equation). To solve one of these equations it is necessary to write both sides of the equation with the same base if the unknown is an exponent (index) [...]

$\textit{Factorisation}$ We first look for $\textit{common factors}$ and then for other forms such as $\textit{perfect squares}$, $\textit{difference of two squares}$, etc. Example 1 Factorise $2^{n+4} + 2^{n+1}$. Show Solution \( \begin{align} \displaystyle &= 2^{n+1} \times 2^{3} + 2^{n+1} \\ &= 2^{n+1}(2^{3} + 1) \\ &= 2^{n+1} \times 9 \\ \end{align} \) Example 2 Factorise $2^{n+3} [...]

$\textit{Algebraic Expansion with Exponents}$ Expansion of algebraic expressions like $x^{\frac{1}{3}}(4x^{\frac{4}{5}} - 3x^{\frac{3}{2}})$, $(4x^5 + 6)(5^x - 7)$ and $(4^x + 7)^2$ are handled in the same way, using the same expansion laws to simplify expressions containing exponents: $$ \begin{align} \displaystyle a(a+b) &= ab+ac \\ (a+b)(c+d) &= ac+ad+bc+bd \\ (a+b)(a-b) &= a^2 -b^2 \\ (a+b)^2 &= [...]