Question

Solve the exponential equation
e^x + e^-x = 6

Answer 1

let e^x = a
then we have
a + 1/a = 6
a^2 + 1 - 6a = 0
a^2 - 6a = -1
completing the square, (in this case faster than using the formula)
a^2 - 6a + 9 = -1 + 9
(a-3)^2 = 8
a-3 = ± √8
a = 3± 2√2

so e^x = 3 + √8 OR e^x = 3 - √8
using my calculator
x = ln(3+√8) = 1.7627.. or
x = ln(3-√8) = -1.7627..