Solving $e^x + x = 5$ for $x$ without using a numerical method? Canadian economist Mike Moffat asks on Twitter:


  Math nerd Q: Is there a way to solve $e^x + x = 5$ for $x$, without using a numerical method?
Write $y=5-x$. Then $ye^y=e^5$. Using the Lambert W function, this gives $x=5-W(e^5)$.
Step 1. Transform the equation $e^x+x=5$ into $e^x=5-x$ 

Step 2. Write each side of the new equation as function : $y_1=e^x$ and $y_2=5-x$

Step 3. Graph these two functions in Desmos Graphing Calculator (you find its application in internet)

Step 4. Find the intersection of the two graphs. It has an $x$ and $y$ value.

Step.5 The $x$-value is the solution of our equation : $x=1.307$ (approximately)