1. **Stating the problem:** Solve the monomial equation $ax^n = b$ for $x$. 2. **Formula and rules:** To solve a monomial equation, isolate $x^n$ by dividing both sides by $a$ (assuming $a \neq 0$): $$x^n = \frac{b}{a}$$ 3. **Taking the $n$-th root:** To solve for $x$, take the $n$-th root of both sides: $$x = \pm \sqrt[n]{\frac{b}{a}}$$ Note: If $n$ is even, there are two real roots (positive and negative). If $n$ is odd, there is one real root. 4. **Example:** Solve $2x^3 = 16$. Divide both sides by 2: $$x^3 = \frac{16}{2} = 8$$ Take the cube root: $$x = \sqrt[3]{8} = 2$$ Since $n=3$ is odd, only one real root exists. 5. **Summary:** To solve monomial equations, isolate $x^n$ and then take the $n$-th root, considering the parity of $n$ for the number of roots.