text: # Solve for $x$ when $4^{x-1} + 4^{x-3} = 272$
  
  $$4^{x-1} + 4^{x-3} = 272$$
  
  I've tried to check if I can convert it to a logarithm but found there's not an answer ($x \in \mathbb Z$), and I'm not sure how to continue from there.
  
  • Factor out a $4^x$ – Eleven-Eleven Feb 2 '17 at 2:59
  • Somehow, I missed something this obvious. Thanks for your help. – user287997 Feb 2 '17 at 3:21
  
  Hint: We can factor $4^{x-1}+4^{x-3} = 4^2 \cdot 4^{x-3}+4^{x-3} = (4^2+1) \cdot 4^{x-3} = 17 \cdot 4^{x-3}$.
  
  Also, $272$ is divisible by $17$.
  
  Set $u=4^{x-1}$ and rewrite the equation as $u+\frac{u}{16}=272\to\frac{17u}{16}=272$ so $u=256\implies 4^{x-1}=256\implies x=5$
  
  Hint: $$4^{x-1} + 4^{x-3} = 16 (4)^{x-3} + 4^{x-3} =17 (4)^{x-3} = 272$$
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