Comparing $e^\pi$ and $\pi ^e$ Without Computing

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on comparing the values of \( e^\pi \) and \( \pi^e \) without the use of computational tools. Participants explore mathematical reasoning and approaches to determine which of the two expressions is larger.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes the challenge of the problem and mentions the expectation for responses to take time, indicating a community norm regarding problem-solving.
  • Another participant provides a mathematical approach using calculus, stating that the derivative \( \frac{dy}{dx} = \frac{\ln x - 1}{(\ln x)^2} \) is zero at \( x = e \) and positive for \( x > e \), leading to the conclusion that \( e^\pi > \pi^e \) when \( x = \pi \).
  • A different participant references their blog to argue that \( x^{1/x} \) reaches its maximum at \( x = e \), suggesting that this implies \( e^\pi > \pi^e \) after raising both sides to the power of \( \pi e \).

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There are competing views regarding the comparison of \( e^\pi \) and \( \pi^e \). While some participants provide reasoning that supports \( e^\pi > \pi^e \), the discussion does not reach a consensus, and no definitive conclusion is established.

Contextual Notes

The discussion involves assumptions about the behavior of the functions involved and relies on specific mathematical properties without resolving all steps or potential counterarguments.

eddybob123
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Without using any computing devices, show which number is larger: $e^\pi$ or $\pi ^e$.
 
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Hint:
Consider the function $y=\frac{x}{\ln(x)}$.
 
Last edited:
eddybob123 said:
So does no one know or no one bothers to post their solution?...

Typically, you should not expect a solution to be posted so quickly; we ask in our http://mathhelpboards.com/challenge-questions-puzzles-28/guidelines-posting-answering-challenging-problem-puzzle-3875.html that you give our members about a week to respond. Sometimes you will get a quick response, but sometimes not.

In my case, I have seen this problem before along with its solution, so I felt it would only be fair to leave it for the enjoyment of someone who has not seen it before.

The vast majority of problems posted as challenges here are solved, but most people are not online all the time, and so it may be a while before someone comes along who will solve the problem and post their solution. (Sun)
 
(Headbang)
 
Last edited:
eddybob123 said:
So does no one know or no one bothers to post their solution?

I haven't even had my breakfast yet. :p

[sp]Using your (much needed) hint.

$$\frac{dy}{dx}=\frac{\ln x -1}{(\ln x )^2}$$

So $$\frac{dy}{dx}=0 \text{ when } x=e \text{ and } \frac{dy}{dx}>0 \text{ when } x>e$$

$$y=e$$ when $$x=e$$ and $$y>e$$ when $$x>e$$.

So when $$x=\pi$$ we have $$\frac{\pi}{\ln \pi}>e \Rightarrow \pi>e \ln \pi \Rightarrow e^{\pi}> \pi^ e $$

[/sp]

Actually, I haven't even done breakfast for my children.
 
(Clapping)

(Dance)(Dance)(Dance)(Dance)(Dance)(Dance)(Dance)(Dance)(Dance)
 
I have shown in my blog at Fun with maths
that

x^(1/x) is maximum at x = e so e^(1/e) > π^(1/π)

and hence e^π > π^e after raising both sides to power πe
 

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