9th grade math- Solving systems using substitution problems?

Although there is a way to solve the above using logarithms, I would prefer a simpler approach: 1) 8^x=1/4 As both 8 and 4 can be written in terms of powers of 2 (as 8=2^3 and 4=2^2), you may rewrite the equation as: (2^3)^x=1/(2^2) You may then apply rule of exponents on both sides of the equation, (x^m)^n = x^(m*n) 2^(3x)=2^(-2) You can then equate the powers of 2 on both sides ==> 3x=-2 ==> x=-2/3 2) 25^x=1/5 25=5^2 and 1/5=5^(-1) -------> Remember, 1/x=x^(-1) (5^2)^x=5^(-1) 5^(2x)=5^(-1) Equate the powers of 5 on both sides ==> 2x=-1 ==> x=-1/2 3) 9^x-2=3 9=3^2 and 3=3^1.