Simplify the expression as much as possible using standard algebraic rules. For example, ensure that all functions are, if possible, expressed as multiplicative factors and that any possible trigonometric substitutions already have been carried out. Problems requiring exponential simplification are often rational expressions that provide opportunities for term cancellation.
Place the entire expression in parentheses.
Raise the entire expression in the parentheses by the inverse power of the exponents. For example,
(e^x - e^-x) = 2.35, raised to the inverse power, (e^x - e^-x)^ 1/x = 2.35^1/x.
Distribute the inverse exponent and simplify. Continuing from above, (e^x - e^-x)^ 1/x = 2.35^1/x, simplifies into (e^x/x - e^-x/x) = 2.35^1/x. Further, e^1 - e^-1 = 2.35^1/x. Factoring out e^1, e^1(1 - 1/e^2) = 2.35^1/x. This takes the variable away from the exponential functions and places it as an "xth root" of a constant number, 2.35. This also provides an opportunity to differentiate or integrate the "e" terms easily as they are now just constant values, about 2.7.