How Can You Solve the Equation e^x = 5-2x?

[busted]

I am a little stuck how to solve this equation

e^x = 5-2x?

I did ln e^x = ln (5-2x)

x = ln(5-2x) / ln e
but iam not sure how to bring the other x around to the side with the x to solve the equation?

 

[HallsofIvy]

You can't with the "usual" functions. Since you have x both in the exponent and not, you would have to do a numerical solution or use "Lambert's W function", the inverse function to f(x)= xe^x.

 

[busted]

how would you go about doing a numerical solution?

 

[The Bob]

Why not try it graphically and then do some approximating to find the intercept, e.g. decimal search. This would work if you did not need a highly accurate solution, e.g. in terms of Pi.

The Bob (2004 ©)