MHB Exponential functions (calculator exercise)

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on solving exponential functions, particularly the equation f(t) = g(t) involving e^(-t/20). The initial steps involve rearranging the equation to isolate terms and recognizing that algebraic solutions are not feasible. A Computer Algebra System (CAS) is suggested for finding numeric approximations, yielding t values of approximately 6.55 and 50.19. For part (b), participants are directed to analyze a graph of the function y = xe^(-x/20) + 6 to identify its maximum point. The thread emphasizes the use of technology for solving complex equations and understanding graphical interpretations.
Joshuaniktas
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
Hi there, I have tried to do these questions but I don't understand. Any help would be appreciated!

IMG_3479.JPG


IMG_3480.JPG
 
Mathematics news on Phys.org
Hello, and welcome to MHB! :)

Let's begin with part (a). We are to find when:

$$f(t)=g(t)$$

Or:

$$e^{-\frac{t}{20}}+10=te^{-\frac{t}{20}}+6$$

Let's subtract 6 from both sides:

$$e^{-\frac{t}{20}}+4=te^{-\frac{t}{20}}$$

And then arrange as:

$$4=te^{-\frac{t}{20}}-e^{-\frac{t}{20}}$$

[DESMOS]{"version":7,"graph":{"viewport":{"xmin":-34.31311077614891,"ymin":-11.279300231558665,"xmax":104.86022436822739,"ymax":62.76481974796097}},"randomSeed":"a115e9332f088699d9a4c7866dadfcce","expressions":{"list":[{"type":"expression","id":"1","color":"#c74440","latex":"y=4e^{\\frac{t}{20}}"},{"type":"expression","id":"2","color":"#2d70b3","latex":"y=t-1"}]}}[/DESMOS]

As we cannot solve this algebraically, we will need to rely on a CAS to generate numeric approximations:

https://www.wolframalpha.com/input/?i=4e^(t/20)=t-1
We get:

$$t\approx6.54997$$

$$t\approx50.1865$$

Now, for part (b), let's look at this graph:

[DESMOS]{"version":7,"graph":{"viewport":{"xmin":-9.635503167985057,"ymin":-15.7165503991205,"xmax":71.01286536037324,"ymax":27.190644928716516}},"randomSeed":"5093a3ded45d142de4030d436ace2162","expressions":{"list":[{"type":"expression","id":"1","color":"#c74440","latex":"y=xe^{-\\frac{x}{20}}+6\\left\\{0\\le x\\le60\\right\\}"}]}}[/DESMOS]

Click on the function's definition on the left to make it active, and you will see the maximum point on which you can click...what do you see when the point is labeled?
 
Thread 'Video on imaginary numbers and some queries'
Hi, I was watching the following video. I found some points confusing. Could you please help me to understand the gaps? Thanks, in advance! Question 1: Around 4:22, the video says the following. So for those mathematicians, negative numbers didn't exist. You could subtract, that is find the difference between two positive quantities, but you couldn't have a negative answer or negative coefficients. Mathematicians were so averse to negative numbers that there was no single quadratic...
Insights auto threads is broken atm, so I'm manually creating these for new Insight articles. In Dirac’s Principles of Quantum Mechanics published in 1930 he introduced a “convenient notation” he referred to as a “delta function” which he treated as a continuum analog to the discrete Kronecker delta. The Kronecker delta is simply the indexed components of the identity operator in matrix algebra Source: https://www.physicsforums.com/insights/what-exactly-is-diracs-delta-function/ by...
Thread 'Unit Circle Double Angle Derivations'
Here I made a terrible mistake of assuming this to be an equilateral triangle and set 2sinx=1 => x=pi/6. Although this did derive the double angle formulas it also led into a terrible mess trying to find all the combinations of sides. I must have been tired and just assumed 6x=180 and 2sinx=1. By that time, I was so mindset that I nearly scolded a person for even saying 90-x. I wonder if this is a case of biased observation that seeks to dis credit me like Jesus of Nazareth since in reality...

Similar threads

Replies
4
Views
1K
Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
7
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
1K
Replies
1
Views
1K
Back
Top