1. **Problem:** Solve for $x$ in the equation $x = \log_3 17$, correct to 3 decimal places. 2. **Formula:** The change of base formula for logarithms is $$\log_a b = \frac{\log b}{\log a}$$ where the logarithm on the right side can be taken in any base (commonly base 10 or $e$). 3. **Apply the formula:** $$x = \log_3 17 = \frac{\log 17}{\log 3}$$ 4. **Calculate the numerator and denominator:** $$\log 17 \approx 1.2304$$ $$\log 3 \approx 0.4771$$ 5. **Divide:** $$x = \frac{1.2304}{0.4771}$$ 6. **Show cancellation step:** $$x = \frac{\cancel{1.2304}}{\cancel{0.4771}}$$ 7. **Evaluate:** $$x \approx 2.579$$ **Final answer:** $$x \approx 2.579$$