Make a substitution to find two exact real solutions to the equation $(x + 3)^4 + (x + 5) ^4 = 20.$
Did you know ... ?
Frequently mathematicians spend their time stuck wondering how to solve equations or problems. One way of cracking a tough problem is to make a transformation to turn it into a more familiar form which allows the solution to proceed. Finding good substitutions or transformations is one of the more creative aspects of mathematics.