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Bunuel
If n is a positive integer and x + 3 = 4^n, which of the following could not be a value of x?

(A) 1
(B) 13
(C) 45
(D) 61
(E) 253

\(x = 4^n - 3\)

Now if that is the case, n cannot be 0

cyclicity of unit digit of 4 is 4,6,4,6

Now we will be always subtracting 3 out of it, new cyclicity becomes 1,3,1,3

Key word: could not be a value of x

It will be C
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Plug in the values of X in answer choices. All the option except c will give a value of 4^n...

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Bunuel
If n is a positive integer and x + 3 = 4^n, which of the following could not be a value of x?

(A) 1
(B) 13
(C) 45
(D) 61
(E) 253

The best way to answer this question is working backward.

Plug-in the answer choices in X and try to solve the equation:

X= 4^n - 3

1) 1= 4^1 - 3 = 1 OK!

2)13 = 4^2 - 3 = 13 OK!

3)45 = 4^3 - 3= 61 NO!

So the correct answer is C. We don't need to check the other two options.
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