How do i solve the following with or without use of logs?

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves solving the equation 3^x = x^2, which presents challenges due to the presence of the variable x in both the exponent and the base. Participants are exploring various methods to approach this equation, including the use of logarithms and the Lambert W function.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to manipulate the equation using logarithmic properties and expresses the problem in terms of the Lambert W function. Other participants discuss the feasibility of solving the equation algebraically and share numerical approximations.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively discussing the limitations of algebraic solutions and the necessity of numerical methods. Some guidance has been offered regarding the Lambert W function, and there is an ongoing exploration of the number of real solutions to the equation.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of a potential misunderstanding regarding the number of solutions, with some participants believing there may be two real values, while others assert there is only one.

Dell
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How do i solve the following with or without use of logs?
3^x=x^2

the problem being that i have x both in my exp and in my base, what i have done is taken each side and gotten

(3^x)^(1/x)=(x^2)^(1/x)
3=x^(2/x)
3^(1/2)=(x^(2/x))^(1/2)
sqrt(3)=x^(1/x)

0.5*ln(3)=(1/x)*ln(x)
 
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You can't solve it algebraically. It can be solved in terms of a non-elementary function called the Lambert W function. Numerically the answer is -.6860267245.
 
on my calculator i can get x=1.0434693552 but cannot prove it, is there no other way other than Lambert W function?
 
No. That's it. Numerically, which is how the Lambert W function's values are gotten anyway. And your x=1.0434693552 doesn't solve 3x = x2.
 
no sorry my mistake, that was for another exercise,
i looked up lambert W functions and i got this


3x=x2
(31/2)x=x
1=x/(31/2)x =====> (31/2)=a
1=x/ax
1=x*e-x*ln(a)
-ln(a)=[(-ln(a)*x)*e(-ln(a)*x)

after applying W to each side

-ln(a)*x=W(-ln(a))
x=-W(-ln(a))/(ln(a))

is this correct, and also how do i get a numerical answer for this??
 
Last edited:
i found an online calculator that gave me the value, which looks right, but it only gives me one value and i believe there are 2. how can i work it out?
 
No, there is only 1 real value.
 

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