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Given the following equation: 2^X - 2 = N

I'd like to solve for X. N is known.

What function could I use in Excel to do this?

Thanks in advance.

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  • Is that supposed to be 2^(X-2)= N or (2^X) - 2 = N?
    – tarheel
    Oct 11, 2012 at 16:37

3 Answers 3

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=(log(A1+2)/log(2)) where A1 is the source cell.

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X = log(N+2)/log(2)

log is an Excel function, the rest is more about solving an equation.

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Put X in a cell and use the goal seek function, e.g.:

  • in A1, enter a value of X, e.g. 1
  • in A2, enter the formula =2^A1-2
  • Data Menu \ What If analysis \ Goal Seek
  • Set cell A2 to value N by changing cell A1

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