Is this possible without a calculator?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around an optimization problem involving the derivative of a function, specifically focusing on the conditions for stationary points and the feasibility of solving it without a calculator.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the derivation of the derivative R' and the implications of setting it to zero to find stationary points. There is a question about the possibility of solving the equation without a calculator, particularly concerning the presence of a zero in the equation.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided insights into the nature of the logarithmic function and its relationship to the constant e. There is acknowledgment of the correct derivative and the conditions under which stationary points occur, but no consensus on the manual solving process has been reached.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference the use of the natural logarithm and its base, indicating a potential reliance on calculators for precise values, while also exploring the implications of the null factor law in their reasoning.

Procrastinate
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I was doing this problem about optimization and I derived it to:

R' = (1-lnx)/x2

(This was the right derivative by the way as the maximum on the R function was the same answer as when R' = 0)Anyways as R' = 0 when stationary points occur:

0 = (1-lnx)/x2

I was wondering whether it was possible to do that without the help of a graph/graphics calculator because of the zero there. I managed to get the correct answer which was x=2.71 but I couldn't do it manually because of the zero even when I used the null factor law (1-lnx) = 0 or 1/x2 = 0.
 
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2.718281828... is the base of the natural log.

Plug ln(x) = 2.718281828 into your calculator. The answer should be close to 1.
 
Procrastinate said:
I was doing this problem about optimization and I derived it to:

R' = (1-lnx)/x2

(This was the right derivative by the way as the maximum on the R function was the same answer as when R' = 0)


Anyways as R' = 0 when stationary points occur:

0 = (1-lnx)/x2

(1-lnx) = 0 or 1/x2 = 0.

1-lnx=0 or lnx = 1

[tex]lnx = \log_e{x} = 1[/tex]

It is true when x = e = 2.71.
 
Thank you.
 

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