FINAL ANSWER:
The first step in solving the equation 4^x = 17 would typically involve taking the natural logarithm (ln) or base-10 logarithm (log) of both sides of the equation. This is because the variable x is an exponent, and using logarithms allows you to bring it down from the exponent position.
So, the first step would be to take the logarithm of both sides, and it can be written as:
ln(4^x) = ln(17)
Or
log(4^x) = log(17)
This step allows you to simplify and further solve for x.