1. The problem is to solve an exponential equation, which generally has the form $a^x = b$ where $a$ and $b$ are constants and $x$ is the variable. 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 a specific exponential equation, first isolate the exponential expression on one side. 5. Then apply the logarithm with the same base to both sides to solve for $x$. 6. For example, if the equation is $2^x = 8$, then $x = \log_2(8)$. 7. Since $8 = 2^3$, $x = 3$. This method applies to any exponential equation once the exponential term is isolated.