Find the value of x if 5x = 125.

**The reasoning** This is about solving exponential equations — when the base is the same on both sides, the exponents must be equal. Look at what we have: 5^x = 125 The key question is: **what power of 5 gives us 125?** Let's break down 125: - 5 × 5 = 25 - 25 × 5 = 125 So 125 = 5 × 5 × 5 = 5³ Now our equation becomes: 5^x = 5³ Since the bases are the same (both are 5), the exponents must match: **x = 3** **Why the wrong options tempt you** - **Option A (2):** You might think 5² = 25, then confuse it with the actual target of 125 - **Option C (5):** This is just the base itself — don't mix up the base with the exponent! - **Option D (25):** You calculated 5² = 25 and stopped there, forgetting to reach 125 **Quick takeaway** When solving 5^x = 125, ask yourself: "How many times do I multiply 5 by itself to get 125?" — count those multiplications and that's your x.