Proving the Equation: [1-e^(-x)]/[1-e^(x)]=-e^(-x)

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The discussion revolves around proving the equation [1-e^(-x)]/[1-e^(x)]=-e^(-x). Participants suggest various algebraic manipulations, including cross-multiplication and multiplying by e^x, to demonstrate the equality. One participant successfully derives the equation by transforming the fractions and simplifying, ultimately confirming the equality. Confusion arises over the steps taken, particularly regarding the manipulation of fractions. The conversation concludes with a clarification of the algebraic steps leading to the proof.
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I've been trying to do this for almost an hour now but I'm still not able to show that [1-e^(-x)]/[1-e^(x)]=-e^(-x).

Thank you.
 
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U mean show that
\frac{1-e^{-x}}{1-e^{x}}=-e^{-x}

How about cross multiply??

Daniel.
 
No, no. I got [1-e^(-x)]/[1-e^(x)] as an answer to a problem, but in the back of the book the answer is given as -e^(-x). What, I'm asking then, is how to get from my answe to the book's...I know for a fact that they're equal.

Sorry for the confusion.
 
How about multiplying both the numerator and the denominator by e^{x} ??

Daniel.
 
It doesn't work. :frown:
 
It works for me
(\frac{1-e^{-x}}{1-e^{x}})(\frac{e^{x}}{e^{x}})=(\frac{e^{x}-1}{1-e^{x}})(\frac{1}{e^{x}})=-1\cdot \frac{1}{e^{x}}=-e^{-x}

Daniel.
 
(1 - e^(-x))/(1 - e^x) = (1 - 1/e^x)/(1 - e^x) ...then find a common denominator on the top fraction and you get [(e^x - 1)/e^x]/(1 - e^x) = (e^x - 1)/[(e^x)(1 - e^x)] then -1*(1-e^x)/[(e^x)(1 - e^x)] = -1/e^x = -e^(-x)

wow i typed that fast, should be right,i included lots of steps, i skipped a few, but included more than what you'd need to write down probably, do you see it now?
 
@dextercioby:

how did you turn (e^x-1)/(1-e^x) into 1? If you multiply it by -1 on the top don't you have to do it to the bottom too?
 
physicsss said:
@dextercioby:

how did you turn (e^x-1)/(1-e^x) into 1?


I didn't...I turned into "-1"...


Daniel.
 
  • #10
Hello Physicsss,

multiply your equation [1-e^(-x)]/[1-e^(x)]=-e^(-x)
by [1-e^(x)].

You get

[1-e^(-x)] = -e^(-x) * [1-e^(x)]
=> [1-e^(-x)] = -e^(-x) + (-e^(-x))*(-e^(x))
=>[1-e^(-x)] = -e^(-x) + 1
=> [1-e^(-x)] = 1-e^(-x)
 
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