What is the sum of all real solutions to 3^x² - 2x = 3^8?

Both sides have base 3, so equate the exponents: $x^2 - 2x = 8$, which becomes $x^2 - 2x - 8 = 0$. Factor: $(x - 4)(x + 2) = 0$, so $x = 4$ or $x = -2$. Their sum is $4 + (-2) = 2$, choice C. Vieta's formulas give the same result without factoring: the sum of the roots is $-(-2) = 2$. Choice A (8) is the right-hand exponent. Choice B (4) is only one of the two solutions. Choice D ($-2$) is the other solution alone, or the $x$-coefficient with its sign unflipped.