Exponential Problem: Solving (b-a-2)e^b + (b-a)e^a with Constant a and b

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the expression (b-a-2)e^b + (b-a)e^a, where a and b are constants, and whether it is equivalent to the expression b^2 - 2e^b + 6b - a^2 + 2e^a - 6a. Participants seek clarification on the equality of these expressions and explore potential methods for solving or simplifying them.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asserts that the two expressions are not equal and suggests using distribution to simplify the left-hand side.
  • Another participant provides a specific case where both expressions yield different results when a and b are set to zero.
  • A different participant claims that the problem cannot be solved as there is no equation to work with unless the expressions are set equal to something.
  • Another response indicates that finding an algebraic solution to the equality may not be feasible and mentions the use of mathematical programs for approximation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally disagree on the equality of the two expressions, with no consensus on a method to solve or simplify them. Some participants question the validity of the original problem setup.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved assumptions regarding the conditions under which the expressions are compared, and the discussion lacks a clear definition of what it means for the expressions to be equal.

zeithief
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i have an exponential problem that i could not solve.
[tex](b-a-2)e^b + (b-a)e^a[/tex] where a and b are constant. Is it the same as [tex]b^2 -2e^b + 6b - a^2 + 2e^a - 6a[/tex] ?
Hope that someone kind could spend some time helping me and list down the steps for me. If they are not equal can you pls tell me too?

Thank you!
 
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They aren't equal. Not sure what you are doing,
[tex](b-a-2)e^b + (b-a)e^a[/tex]

Just use regular old distribution,

[tex](a+b+c+d)x = ax + bx + cx + dx[/tex]

You shouldn't end up with anything squared, and everything should have an exponential attached to it.
 
zeithief said:
i have an exponential problem that i could not solve.
[tex](b-a-2)e^b + (b-a)e^a[/tex] where a and b are constant. Is it the same as [tex]b^2 -2e^b + 6b - a^2 + 2e^a - 6a[/tex] ?
Hope that someone kind could spend some time helping me and list down the steps for me. If they are not equal can you pls tell me too?

Thank you!
sure, easy. if b=a=0 then the left side left gives you -2 and the right side gives you 0.
 
This cannot be solved. There is no equation. That expression needs to equal something otherwise the only thing you can do is simplify it, but that seems to be done already.

Jameson
 
zeithief said:
i have an exponential problem that i could not solve.
[tex](b-a-2)e^b + (b-a)e^a[/tex] where a and b are constant. Is it the same as [tex]b^2 -2e^b + 6b - a^2 + 2e^a - 6a[/tex] ?
Hope that someone kind could spend some time helping me and list down the steps for me. If they are not equal can you pls tell me too?

Thank you!
If you mean you want to find an instance where:

[tex](b-a-2)e^b + (b-a)e^a = b^2 -2e^b + 6b - a^2 + 2e^a - 6a[/tex]

I don't think there is an algebraic way of doing it. I would like to note also that a = 0 and b = 0 is not a solution. Various mathematical programs will easily be able to approximate answers.
 

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