1. The problem is to understand how to "move down" or simplify an expression with an exponent, such as solving for a variable when it is in the exponent. 2. The key formula to use is the definition of logarithms: if you have an equation of the form $$a^x = b$$, then you can solve for $$x$$ by taking the logarithm base $$a$$ of both sides: $$x = \log_a(b)$$. 3. Important rule: logarithms are the inverse operation of exponentiation. This means that logarithms "bring down" the exponent so you can solve for it. 4. For example, if you have $$2^x = 8$$, you can write $$x = \log_2(8)$$. 5. Since $$8 = 2^3$$, then $$x = 3$$. 6. If you do not have a calculator that supports logarithms with base $$a$$, you can use the change of base formula: $$\log_a(b) = \frac{\log_c(b)}{\log_c(a)}$$ where $$c$$ is any base you can calculate (commonly 10 or $$e$$). 7. This method "moves down" the exponent so you can solve for it easily. Final answer: To "move down" an exponent, take the logarithm of both sides with the base of the exponent.