
From here, divide both sides by 3^(-8), and you're left with (1+3+9+27)/4 = x, or x = 10.
This works on all sorts of factoring problems on the GMAT, so it's a great technique.

Strategy: Factor out the MOST NEGATIVE EXPONENT.If (3ˉ� + 3ˉ� + 3ˉ� + 3ˉ�)/4 = x * 3ˉ�, what is the value of x?