WMA11/01 Edexcel IAL/AS P1 January 2023, Q5, Exponential Equations, hidden Quadratic Simplification

In this problem from the Edexcel IAL/AS P1 January 2023 exam (Q5), we solve an exponential equation by expressing all terms with base 3. Using the substitution 𝑃=3^𝑥, the equation is transformed into a quadratic form. Solving the quadratic equation allows us to find 𝑃, and subsequently, the value of 𝑥. This demonstrates the technique of revealing hidden quadratic structures in exponential equations for easier solving.