How to Solve an Exponential Equation with a Mistake in the Second Step?

In summary, an exponential equation is an equation with a variable in the exponent, usually in the form of y = ab^x. To solve this type of equation, you can use algebraic methods or a graphing calculator. Exponential equations are commonly used in science and finance, and are different from logarithmic equations, which have the variable inside the logarithm function. An exponential equation can have more than one solution, and it is important to check the solutions in the original equation to ensure their validity.
  • #1
Rectifier
Gold Member
313
4
The problem
Solve ## e^x-e^{-x} = 6 ## .

The attempt
$$ e^x-e^{-x} = 6 \\ e^x(1-e^{-1}) = 6 \\ e^x = \frac{6}{(1-e^{-1})} \\ x = \ln \left( \frac{6}{1-e^{-1}} \right) \\ $$

The answer in the book is ## \ln(3 + \sqrt{10})##

Could someone help me?
 
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  • #2
I made a mistake at the second step ## e^{-x} \neq e^{-1} \cdot e^x ##
 
  • #3
Rectifier said:
I made a mistake at the second step ## e^{-x} \neq e^{-1} \cdot e^x ##

Make the substitution y = e^x.
 
  • #4
Rectifier said:
I made a mistake at the second step ## e^{-x} \neq e^{-1} \cdot e^x ##

Right: ##e^{-x} = \frac{1}{e^x}##.
 

Related to How to Solve an Exponential Equation with a Mistake in the Second Step?

1. What is an exponential equation?

An exponential equation is an equation in which the variable is in the exponent. It has the form y = ab^x, where a and b are constants and x is the variable.

2. How do you solve an exponential equation?

To solve an exponential equation, you can use algebraic methods such as taking the logarithm of both sides or using the laws of exponents. You can also use a graphing calculator to find the solution.

3. What are some common applications of exponential equations?

Exponential equations are commonly used in science and finance to model growth and decay. They can also be used in statistics to represent data with exponential trends.

4. What is the difference between an exponential equation and a logarithmic equation?

An exponential equation has the variable in the exponent, while a logarithmic equation has the variable inside the logarithm function. They are inverse functions of each other, meaning that solving one type of equation can help you solve the other.

5. Can an exponential equation have more than one solution?

Yes, an exponential equation can have more than one solution, depending on the values of the constants and the restrictions on the variable. It is important to check the solutions in the original equation to ensure they are valid.

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