Chapter 5 - Exponential Functions - 5.2 Solving Equations Using Exponent Rules - 5.2 Exercises - Page 438: 72

$p=3$; Amy raised both sides to the power before dividing both sides by $4$.

Isolate the variable factor on one side, and then take the $n$th root of both sides to solve for the variable. If the root is even, there will be a positive and negative answer. If the root is odd and the other side is negative, there is only a negative answer. $4p^5=972$ $p^5=243$ $p=\sqrt[5] {243}$ $p=3$ Amy raised both sides to the power before dividing both sides by $4$.