How can I reduce this expression to e^{mx}?

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The discussion revolves around simplifying the expression A = (e^{mx} - e^{2ml - mx}) / (1 - e^{2ml}) to A = e^{mx}. Participants suggest that the original poster may have a sign error in the exponent of the numerator. After correcting the expression to A = (e^{mx} - e^{2ml + mx}) / (1 - e^{2ml}), the simplification becomes clearer. The final steps show that factoring out e^{mx} leads directly to the desired result. The conversation emphasizes the importance of careful attention to signs in exponential expressions.
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Homework Statement



I at a point in a derivation where I have the expression:

A = \frac{e^{mx} - e^{2ml - mx}}{1-e^{2ml}}

I have double checked my work leading up to this point, so i am confident my expression for 'A' is correct. I am supposed to reduce it to

A = e^{mx}

but I am not seeing the trick here. I have tried numerous approaches from factoring the denominator and various arrangements of the numerator. I have a feeling it is one of those random tricks i need. Any thoughts?
 
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Saladsamurai said:

Homework Statement



I at a point in a derivation where I have the expression:

A = \frac{e^{mx} - e^{2ml - mx}}{1-e^{2ml}}
I think you might have a sign error in the exponent on the first term in the numerator.

Assuming this is the case for the moment, you have
A = \frac{e^{-mx} - e^{2ml - mx}}{1-e^{2ml}}
= \frac{e^{-mx} - e^{2ml}\cdot e^{ -mx}}{1-e^{2ml}}
= \frac{e^{-mx}(1 - e^{2ml})}{1-e^{2ml}} = e^{-mx}
Saladsamurai said:
I have double checked my work leading up to this point, so i am confident my expression for 'A' is correct. I am supposed to reduce it to

A = e^{-mx}

but I am not seeing the trick here. I have tried numerous approaches from factoring the denominator and various arrangements of the numerator. I have a feeling it is one of those random tricks i need. Any thoughts?
 
Saladsamurai said:

Homework Statement



I at a point in a derivation where I have the expression:

A = \frac{e^{mx} - e^{2ml - mx}}{1-e^{2ml}}

I have double checked my work leading up to this point, so i am confident my expression for 'A' is correct. I am supposed to reduce it to

A = e^{-mx}

but I am not seeing the trick here. I have tried numerous approaches from factoring the denominator and various arrangements of the numerator. I have a feeling it is one of those random tricks i need. Any thoughts?



I'm sorry it's supposed to come out to be a positive exponent. That is,

A = e^{mx}

I have edited OP.
 
In that case, I think your error is in the second term in the numerator.
A = \frac{e^{mx} - e^{2ml + mx}}{1-e^{2ml}}

= \frac{e^{mx} - e^{2ml}\cdot e^{ mx}}{1-e^{2ml}}

= \frac{e^{mx}(1 - e^{2ml})}{1-e^{2ml}} = e^{mx}
 
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