MHB Exponential functions (calculator exercise)

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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
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Hi there, I have tried to do these questions but I don't understand. Any help would be appreciated!

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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?
 
I have been insisting to my statistics students that for probabilities, the rule is the number of significant figures is the number of digits past the leading zeros or leading nines. For example to give 4 significant figures for a probability: 0.000001234 and 0.99999991234 are the correct number of decimal places. That way the complementary probability can also be given to the same significant figures ( 0.999998766 and 0.00000008766 respectively). More generally if you have a value that...

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