# Exponential problem

#### zeithief

i have an exponential problem that i could not solve.
$$(b-a-2)e^b + (b-a)e^a$$ where a and b are constant. Is it the same as $$b^2 -2e^b + 6b - a^2 + 2e^a - 6a$$ ?
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!

#### whozum

They aren't equal. Not sure what you are doing,
$$(b-a-2)e^b + (b-a)e^a$$

Just use regular old distribution,

$$(a+b+c+d)x = ax + bx + cx + dx$$

You shouldnt end up with anything squared, and everything should have an exponential attached to it.

#### shyboy

zeithief said:
i have an exponential problem that i could not solve.
$$(b-a-2)e^b + (b-a)e^a$$ where a and b are constant. Is it the same as $$b^2 -2e^b + 6b - a^2 + 2e^a - 6a$$ ?
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.

#### Jameson

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

#### Zurtex

Homework Helper
zeithief said:
i have an exponential problem that i could not solve.
$$(b-a-2)e^b + (b-a)e^a$$ where a and b are constant. Is it the same as $$b^2 -2e^b + 6b - a^2 + 2e^a - 6a$$ ?
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:

$$(b-a-2)e^b + (b-a)e^a = b^2 -2e^b + 6b - a^2 + 2e^a - 6a$$

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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