Application of the Exp-function method for solving a partial differential equation arising in biology and population genetics

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to use He's Exp-function method (EFM) to construct solitary and soliton solutions of the nonlinear evolution equation. Design/methodology/approach This technique is straightforward and simple to use and is a powerful method to overcome some difficulties in the nonlinear problems. Findings This method is developed for searching exact traveling wave solutions of the nonlinear partial differential equations. The EFM presents a wider applicability for handling nonlinear wave equations. Originality/value The paper shows that EFM, with the help of symbolic computation, provides a straightforward and powerful mathematical tool for solving nonlinear evolution equations. Application of EFM to Fitzhugh-Nagumo equation illustrates its effectiveness.