Question

How to solve for b in this equation:
e^b +1/2b^2 - 1 = 4.2

Do you take log on both sides?

Answer 1

is that 1/(2b^2) or (1/2) * b^2 ?

In both cases, I can't imagine solving it analytically (unless there's a missing e in the second term). Using Taylor Series might help, but that's calculus.

Answer 2

Thanks.