8 = 2^5x * 4^x^2

Question

In case I didn't write it correctly, it is 8 equals 2 to the 5x times 4 to the x squared

Answer 1

I see base 2 everywhere

8 = 2^5x * 4^x^2
2^3 = (2^(5x)) * (2^2)^x^2
2^3 = (2^(5x) * 2^(2x^2)
2^3 = 2^(2x^2 + 5x)

3 = 2x^2 + 5x
2x^2 + 5x - 3 = 0
(2x-1)(x+3) = 0
x = 1/2 or x = -3