Set 15: Exponential Functions (Advanced)

Choice A is correct. Choice A is the correct answer. Rewrite 32 as a power of 2. 1. Rewrite: $32= 2^5$, so $2^{3 x-1} = 2^5$. 2. Equal bases: $3x - 1 = 5$. 3. Solve: $3x = 6$, so $x = 2$. 4. Verify: $2^{3(2)-1} = 2^5 = 32$ ✓ Strategic Tip: Express both sides with the same base to compare exponents. Choice B is incorrect because $2^{3(3)-1} = 2^8 = 256 \neq 32$. Choice C is incorrect because $2^{3(1)-1} = 2^2 = 4 \neq 32$. Choice D is incorrect because $2^{3(4)-1} = 2^{11} = 2048 \neq 32$.