Solve \(5^{2(x - 1)} \times 5^{x + 1} = 0.04\)
A
\(\frac{1}{3}\)
B
\(\frac{1}{4}\)
C
\(-\frac{1}{5}\)
D
\(-\frac{1}{3}\)
Verified Correct Answer: D.
Step-by-Step Mathematical Solution
\(5^{2(x - 1)} \times 5^{x + 1} = 0.04\)
\(5^{2x - 2} \times 5^{x + 1} = 5^{-2}\)
\(2x - 2 + x + 1 = -2\)
\(3x - 1 = -2 \implies 3x = -2 + 1 = -1\)
\(x = -\frac{1}{3}\)
Source: WAEC / JAMB / NECO Classroom Archive (Record #54910)