Exponential question, x = [ 1 / 1 - e^-1.768] x e^-0.884

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around an exponential equation involving the variable x, specifically x = [1 / (1 - e^-1.768)] * e^-0.884. Participants are trying to understand the setup and manipulation of the equation to solve for x.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants express confusion regarding the notation and the presence of the second x in the equation. Some attempt to clarify the equation's structure and its implications, while others share their methods for inputting the equation into calculators.

Discussion Status

There is an ongoing exploration of the equation's setup, with some participants questioning the notation and others providing insights into their computational approaches. While some clarity has been achieved regarding the notation, there is no explicit consensus on the interpretation of the equation.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention issues with calculator input and the need for clarity in notation, indicating potential misunderstandings in the equation's structure. The original poster has acknowledged a mistake in notation, which has led to some confusion among participants.

nophysics
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Im trying to setup this equation so I can figure it out, I have tried a couple of ways but I have lost the fundamental rules years ago - can anyone help me set it up for me ? Thanks so much.

Equation: x = [ 1 / 1 - e^-1.768]e^-0.884
; Solve for xAnswer: 0.498
 
Last edited:
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Is that a typo with the second x? What is that second x doing?

If there is no typo, then x=ax so that x(1-a)=0 so that x=0.
 
ZioX said:
Is that a typo with the second x? What is that second x doing?

If there is no typo, then x=ax so that x(1-a)=0 so that x=0.
latex! I'm kind of confused

however i got the same answer, ~.498
 
Sorry for the confusion

that x is a multiply sign, I have edited the original post.

I got it now. Thanks.
 
Last edited:
nophysics said:
that x is a multiply sign, I should have left it out.

Roco - how did you do it ? I am curious since I think I messed up at the start.. not sure how to ...
i did nothing different than plug in what you had typed out into my calculator

[tex]x=\frac{1}{[1-\exp^{-1.768}]}\times\exp^{-0.884}[/tex]

if you're having trouble typing it into your calculator, this is what i do (for almost everything! and it's so useful for chemistry)

in your calculator (if you don't know already), store the following

type in the expression then press STO[tex]\rhd[/tex] then ALPHA then A then ENTER

let [tex]A=(1-\exp^{-1.768})[/tex]

let [tex]B=\exp^{-0.884}[/tex]

so for your answer, you would type in

[tex]x=[\frac{B}{A}][/tex]
 
Last edited:
I like doing that when I want to store a computation that I do over a large period of time. For my storage memory A, I have the sum of the harmonic series up to some number. Right now Its up to the 432th term, I add to it whenever I feel bored. I like to see how slow it grows :) And also to see it slowly converging to its asymptotic expansion:

[tex]\sum_{n=1}^k \frac{1}{n}[/tex]~[tex]\log_e k + \gamma[/tex]

where [itex]\gamma[/itex] is the Euler-Mascheroni Constant.
 

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