the exact value of $x$ without using a calculator.  

1. $3e^x − 5 = 13$ 

   Steps (a):

   1. Add $5$ to both sides.
   2. Divide by $3$ on both sides.
   3. Take the natural log of both sides.
   4. Solve for $x$.

2. $\text{ln}(x + 1) = 3.2$ 

   Step (b):

   $e^{3.2} = x + 1$