1. The problem is to solve elementary exponential equations, which typically have the form $a^x = b$ where $a$ and $b$ are constants. 2. The key formula to solve such equations is to use logarithms: if $a^x = b$, then $x = \log_a b$. 3. Important rules: - The base $a$ must be positive and not equal to 1. - The argument $b$ must be positive. 4. To solve, isolate the exponential expression, then apply the logarithm with the same base to both sides. 5. Example: Solve $2^x = 8$. - Since $8 = 2^3$, we have $2^x = 2^3$. - By equality of exponents, $x = 3$. 6. If $b$ is not a power of $a$, use logarithms: $x = \log_a b$. 7. This method works for all elementary exponential equations.