Solve this equation $4^{\log_2(x)}-2^{\log_2(x)}=3^{\log_3(12)}$.

Solve this equation $4^{\log_2(x)}-2^{\log_2(x)}=3^{\log_3(12)}$

I thought to write $2^{\log_2(x)^2}-2^{\log_2(x)}=3^{\log_3(12)}$. Then is there a way to factorize $2^{\log_2(x)}$? I don't know how to proceed...

• Hint: $\log_n x$ is the inverse of $n^x$. – Henrik supports the community May 7 '15 at 15:28
• Check basic logarithmic properties to untangle the exponents. In particular, $(a^2)^{\log_a x} = a^{2{\log_a x}} = a^{{\log_a {x^2}}} = x^2$ – Joffan May 7 '15 at 15:46
• In general, $$\left(a^2\right)^b\ne a^{b^2}.$$ – Did May 7 '15 at 15:53
• Hint: $n^{\log_n x}=x$ – steven gregory Feb 7 '17 at 21:04

Let $\log_2 x = t$, then $2^{\log_2 (x)}=2^t=x$. Thus the given equation is $$x^2-2x=12$$
• why is it equal to 12? what about $3log_3(12)$? – anna May 7 '15 at 15:34
• @anna Suppose $\log_3(12)=m$, then by definition $3^m=12$. Now consider $3^{\log_3(12)}=3^m=12$. – Anurag A May 7 '15 at 15:35
We have $a^{\log_a(b)}=b$ and we have the following:
$$4^{\log_2(x)}=2^{2\log_2(x)}=(2^{\log_2(x)})^2 = x^2$$