Can't Solve Character Schedule: f(x)=e^x(x^3-2x^2-x+4)-5

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the character schedule of the function $$f(x)=e^x(x^3-2x^2-x+4)-5$$, specifically addressing discrepancies in the roots and their representation in the character schedule compared to a provided solution. Participants explore the roots of the function and the correctness of the character schedule derived from it.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion regarding the character schedule, noting that their derived roots are $$x=1$$ (double root) and $$x=-3$$, while the provided solution lists $$x-3$$ and $$(x+1)^2$$.
  • Another participant calculates the derivative as $$f'(x)=(x-1)^{2}(x+3)e^{x}$$, suggesting a potential error in the original character schedule.
  • A participant questions whether the discrepancy might be due to a typographical error in the provided solution, given their own results differ in signs.
  • One participant emphasizes that math books can contain errors, advocating for the use of computer algebra systems (CAS) to verify calculations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the correctness of the character schedule, as multiple competing views regarding the roots and their representation remain. There is uncertainty about whether the differences are due to calculation errors or typographical mistakes in the provided solution.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference their own calculations and the provided solution without resolving the discrepancies. The discussion highlights the importance of verifying mathematical work, especially in the context of potential errors in published materials.

Petrus
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Hello MHB,
I am working with an old exam that we got full soloution I got problem with their characters schedule ( hope you understand what I mean cause I could not find any translate)
1zvfjb.png

I got the same roots as the soloution but in the characters schedule why do they got $$x-3$$ and $$(x+1)^2$$ should it not be $$x+3$$ and $$(x-1)^2$$ or I am missing something, that's what I get when I solve it.
edit: the function maybe was not clearly to see in the picture but here it is $$f(x)=e^x(x^3-2x^2-x+4)-5$$
Regards,
$$|\pi\rangle$$
 
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I get $f'(x)=(x-1)^{2}(x+3)e^{x}$.
 
Petrus said:
...I got the same roots as the soloution but in the characters schedule why do they got $$x-3$$ and $$(x+1)^2$$ should it not be $$x+3$$ and $$(x-1)^2$$ or I am missing something, that's what I get when I solve it...

Post your working and we can get to the bottom of where you went wrong. :D
 
MarkFL said:
Post your working and we can get to the bottom of where you went wrong. :D
Hello Mark,
I get correct answer and graph but my characters schedule looks diffrent from their, I don't know how I can make one and when I make one in paint it does not look nice so I will describe with words. At left side of the characters schedule I got $$(x+3)$$ insted of $$(x-3)$$ and $$(x-1)^2$$ insted of $$(x+1)^2$$ and rest is exactly the same, so my guess is they made some sign typo? Just want to be sure so I don't make the characters schedule wrong. As Ackbach said I got the roots $$x=1$$ (<- double root) and $$x=-3$$.

Regards,
$$|\pi\rangle$$
 
Two comments:

1. You can make tables in $\LaTeX$ as follows:

Code:
\begin{array}{c|c|c}
   1 & 2 & 3 \\ \hline
   4 & 5 & 6 \\ \hline
   7 & f(x) & \sin(x) \\
\end{array}

produces

\begin{array}{c|c|c}
1 & 2 & 3 \\ \hline
4 & 5 & 6 \\ \hline
7 & f(x) & \sin(x) \\
\end{array}

2. Books can be wrong. Math books, especially calculus books, might have a lower error rate than some other types of books, but they definitely have incorrect things in them from time to time. In this case, there is no doubt that they computed the derivative incorrectly. In my opinion, in this day and age of CAS's, there's no excuse for not checking their work with a computer. CAS's can't replace a person, but people should use them to check their work!
 

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