Evaluate 4^(x-1)=16

$4^{x - 1} = 16$

Step 1

Create equivalent expressions in the equation that all have equal bases.

$4^{x - 1} = 4^{2}$

Step 2

Since the bases are the same, then two expressions are only equal if the exponents are also equal.

$x - 1 = 2$

Step 3

Move all terms not containing $x$ to the right side of the equation.

Add $1$ to both sides of the equation.

$x = 2 + 1$

Add $2$ and $1$ .

$x = 3$