solving for t

[fresh]

after much stress i now have

ln(t +1) - t = (-ln399)/4

i am not sure how you would proceed about isolating for t. i have tried using the exponential and other algebraic tactics but it has been to no avail. some sort of suggestion would be much appreciated.

[Tide]

I'm afraid you're out of luck! There is no simple solution to your equation (i.e. you can't isolate t) and you'll have to resort to numerical approximation.

[HallsofIvy]

There is a thing called "Lambert's W function" that can be used to solve such equations- but it is not an "elementary function". Here is a reference:
http://encyclopedia.thefreedictionary.com/Lambert's%20W%20function