View Full Version : exponential functions
physstudent1
Oct7-07, 11:35 PM
1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
2^x =x^3
show that the equation has at least two solutions.
2. Relevant equations
3. The attempt at a solution
I got xln2=3lnx but I don't know what I could do from here
physstudent1
Oct8-07, 12:49 AM
I took a differnet approach and thought about finding values where 2^x < x^3 then where 2^x > x^3
I found that between 1 and 3 there is a solution idk where the other one is though.
morphism
Oct8-07, 12:59 AM
Try x=10.
physstudent1
Oct8-07, 01:22 AM
i got f(2) = -4 f(0)=1 and it is continuos on this interval so there is a zero here and then
f(4) = -16
f(10) =24
and it is also continous here so here is a zero
I subtracted the RHS so the equation is 2^x - x^3 =0
I just want to make sure this is a valid way to do this problem. And wondering if there is an easier way to pick points where I think a zero may occur other than guessing.
Well.. by the problem description, all you have to show is that there is 2 or more points which the equation is true, and if you can "literally" find the points that satisfies the equation, this definitely answers the question.
transgalactic
Oct8-07, 04:26 AM
try this
2^x>x^3
you do logarithm operation on both of them
x* log 2 >3* log x (based 10)
x>[3/(log2)] * log x
now i think its easier to find this number by guessing
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