A. Rules

1. The equation has a variable in the exponent.
2. Exponential equations are 1-to-1, which means b^m = b^p if and only if m = p.

B. Step for Solving

1. Express both sides of the equation in terms of the same base.
2. Set the exponents equal to each other.
3. Solve the equation made by setting the exponents equal to each other.
4. Check the solutions.