# Mathematica unable to solve equation numerically while Wolfram|Alpha can

I want to solve the following equation

2 x == Sinh[x]


Mathematica is unable to do so

In[1]:= Solve[2 x == Sinh[x], x]
During evaluation of In[20]:= Solve::nsmet: This system cannot be solved with the methods available to Solve. >>
Out[1]= Solve[2 x == Sinh[x], x]


However, Wolfram|Alpha can successfully solve the equation

How can I achieve the same in Mathematica?

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Try Solve[2 x == Sinh[x], x, Reals]. This is a common question - here's a similar example. –  Mark McClure Jul 21 '14 at 23:46
You didn't ask Mathematica for a numerical solution, you asked for a symbolic one. –  m_goldberg Jul 21 '14 at 23:53
If I ask Mathematica for a numerical solution, using NSolve, it gives me the same error, though. –  Gregger Jul 21 '14 at 23:55
@Sven86, Use NSolve[2 x == Sinh[x], x, Reals]. NSolve has a default domain of Complexes just like Solve. –  Chip Hurst Jul 22 '14 at 0:43

Plot[2 x - Sinh[x], {x, -Pi, Pi}]


FindRoot[2 x == Sinh[x], {x, #}] & /@ {-2, 0, 2}

{{x -> -2.17732}, {x -> 0.}, {x -> 2.17732}}

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Thank you very much for this. –  Gregger Jul 21 '14 at 23:54
@Sven86 This syntax also works, though I believe it is undocumented: FindRoot[2 x == Sinh[x], {x, {-2, 0, 2}}]. Note that the output form is different: {x -> {-2.17732, 0., 2.17732}}. –  Mr.Wizard Jul 22 '14 at 17:33