Question:medium

If \( P e^{x} = Q e^{-x} \) for all real values of \( x \), which one of the following statements is true?

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If an equation involving \( e^{x} \) must be true for all real \( x \), any multiplying constant must be zero
Updated On: Feb 9, 2026
  • \( P = Q = 0 \)
  • \( P = Q = 1 \)
  • \( P = 1; \; Q = -1 \)
  • \( \dfrac{P}{Q} = 0 \)
Show Solution

The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Examine the given identity. 
The equation provided is:

\[ P e^{x} = Q e^{-x} \]

It is stated that this equality must be valid for every real value of $x$.

Step 2: Simplify the equation.
Multiply both sides by $e^{x}$ to remove the negative exponent:

\[ P e^{2x} = Q \]

Step 3: Use the condition “true for all real x”.
The expression $e^{2x}$ is not constant; it varies continuously with $x$.
Therefore, the only way $P e^{2x}$ can remain equal to the constant $Q$ for all $x$ is if:

\[ P = 0 \]

Substituting $P=0$ back into the original equation gives:

\[ 0 = Q e^{-x} \]

Since $e^{-x}$ is never zero, this equality can hold for all $x$ only when:

\[ Q = 0 \]

Step 4: Verify the options.
(A) $P=Q=0$ satisfies the equation for every real $x$.
(B) $P=Q=1$ does not satisfy the identity for all values of $x$.
(C) $P=1, Q=-1$ clearly fails to satisfy the equation.
(D) $\frac{P}{Q}=0$ alone does not ensure the identity holds for all $x$.

Step 5: Final conclusion.
The only values of $P$ and $Q$ that make the equation true for all real $x$ are:

\[ \boxed{P = Q = 0} \]

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