The question is directed toward Chapter 8 question 8.47. The thing is, I solved (b) with more than a half a page of algebra, so I was wondering if there was a general rule to do the problem. Here is the problem: 

Blocks A (mass 2.00 kg) and B (mass 10.00 kg) move on

a frictionless, horizontal surface. Initially, block B is at rest and

block A is moving toward it at The blocks are equipped

with ideal spring bumpers, as in Example 8.10 (Section 8.4). The

collision is head-on, so all motion before and after the collision is

along a straight line. (a) Find the maximum energy stored in the

spring bumpers and the velocity of each block at that time. (b) Find

the velocity of each block after they have moved apart.

*this was in the elastic collision set so I assumed KE was conserved