View Full Version : How do you solve this equation (involving exponentials)?
1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
0=x(e^-x)
2. Relevant equations
3. The attempt at a solution
Well as x is a multiple that leaves:
0=e^-x
so does x=0?
Any help at all would be greatly appreciated. Many Thanks.
If a*b = 0 then a = 0 or b = 0.
For your equation, either x = 0 or e-x = 0.
Clearly, x = 0 is a solution of your equation. Are there any values of x for which e-x = 0?
Are there any values of x for which e-x = 0?
Well wouldn't x be infinity in that case?
But this question is referring to co-ordinates of a turning point so surely a turning point cant be infinity?
The original equation was y=(x^2)(e^-x)
Which I differentiated into:
dy/dx=x^2(-e^-x)+(e^-x)2x
Which I factorised into:
dy/dx=x(e^-x)[-x+2]
And as dy/dx=0 for turning points then:
0=x(e^-x)[-x+2]
So x=2 and 0=x(e^-x)
Is this all right?
Thankyou so much.
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