a. I = ie^-Rt/L. where i is initial
dI/dT =R/L * ie^-Rt/L
= R/L * I (I is the first equation)
dI/dT = RI/L
Therefore L * dI/dT = -IR and hence I = ie^-Rt/L is a solution as required.
b.
Parameters:
R=2 and T = 1/4, I = i/e (as shown in the book)
Substitution;
i/e = i * e^-2(1/4)/L
1/e = e^-2L/4, cancelled out the initial temperatures.
e = e^2L/4, took reciprocal
ln(e) = ln(e^2L/4) = 2L/4ln(e) , log laws
1 = 2L/4
2L = 4
Therefore L = 1/2