Start by isolating the exponential term. The given equation is 900 = 10^{x+17}.
To isolate the exponential term, divide both sides of the equation by 10^{17}. This gives you 900 / 10^{17} = 10^x.
Now, take the logarithm of both sides to solve for x. Use the base 10 logarithm since the base of the exponential is 10. This results in log_{10}(900 / 10^{17}) = x.
Simplify the expression using the properties of logarithms: log_{10}(900) - log_{10}(10^{17}) = x.
Calculate the values of the logarithms: log_{10}(900) and log_{10}(10^{17}) = 17, then subtract to find the value of x.