To solve the equation \(16^{x+2} = 32\), we can use logarithms to isolate \(x\). First, express both sides of the equation with the same base if possible. Since 16 is \(2^4\) and 32 is \(2^5\), rewrite the equation as \((2^4)^{x+2} = 2^5\). Simplify the left side using the power of a power property, which gives \(2^{4(x+2)} = 2^5\). Since the bases are the same, set the exponents equal to each other and solve for \(x\).
Step 1: Rewrite the Equation
We start with the equation:
\[
16^{x+2} = 32
\]
We can express both sides with base \(2\):
\[
(2^4)^{x+2} = 2^5
\]
Step 2: Simplify the Equation
Using the power of a power property, we simplify the left side:
\[
2^{4(x+2)} = 2^5
\]
This leads to the equation:
\[
4(x+2) = 5
\]
Step 3: Solve for \(x\)
Now, we solve for \(x\):
\[
4x + 8 = 5
\]
Subtracting \(8\) from both sides gives:
\[
4x = -3
\]
Dividing by \(4\) results in:
\[
x = -\frac{3}{4}
\]
Step 4: Consider Complex Solutions
The equation also has complex solutions, which are:
\[
x = \frac{-\log(8) \pm 2i\pi}{4\log(2)}
\]
These solutions can be expressed as:
\[
x = -\frac{3}{4}, \quad x = \frac{-\log(8)}{4\log(2)} + \frac{2i\pi}{4\log(2)}, \quad x = \frac{-\log(8)}{4\log(2)} - \frac{2i\pi}{4\log(2)}
\]
Final Answer
The real solution is:
\[
\boxed{x = -\frac{3}{4}}
\]
The complex solutions are:
\[
x = \frac{-\log(8)}{4\log(2)} \pm \frac{i\pi}{2\log(2)}
\]