Number of solution for an exponential equation

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    Exponential
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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the number of real solutions for the exponential equation $$4x^2 = e^x$$. Participants explore the behavior of the function $$f(x) = 4x^2 - e^x$$ and its derivatives to analyze the potential solutions, including specific intervals where roots may exist.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant analyzes the function $$f(x)$$ and its derivatives, concluding that there is at most one root in the interval $$(-1,0)$$ based on the Intermediate Value Theorem (IVT).
  • Another participant points out additional evaluations of $$f(1)$$ and $$f(5)$$, suggesting that these values may indicate the presence of more roots.
  • A later reply introduces a more general case of the equation, proposing a relationship involving the Lambert Function and suggesting that the number of solutions depends on the parameter $$a$$, with specific conditions for the number of real solutions based on its value.
  • One participant expresses appreciation for the generalization provided by another, indicating interest in the broader implications of the discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the number of solutions. While one participant identifies a single root, others suggest the possibility of more solutions based on different evaluations and generalizations.

Contextual Notes

The discussion involves assumptions about the behavior of the function and its derivatives, as well as the application of the Intermediate Value Theorem. The implications of the Lambert Function and its multivalued nature introduce additional complexity that remains unresolved.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in the analysis of exponential equations, the application of calculus in finding roots, and the use of special functions like the Lambert Function may find this discussion relevant.

juantheron
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The no. of real solution of $$4x^2 = e^x.$$

$$\bf{My\; Try::}$$ Let $$f(x) = 4x^2-e^x\;,$$ Then $$f'(x)=8x-e^x$$

and $$f''(x)=8-e^x$$ and $$f'''(x)=-e^x<0\; \forall x \in \mathbb{R}$$

So $$f'''(x) = 0$$ has no real roots, So Using $$\bf{IVT}$$

equation $$f''(x) = 0$$ has at most one real roots.

and equation $$f'(x) = 0$$ has at most two real roots.

and equation $$f(x) = 0$$ has at most three real roots.

But I am getting only one root which lie in $$(-1,0)$$ because $$f(-1)>0$$ and $$f(0)<0$$

So please help me How can I calculate other two roots.

Thanks
 
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Have you considered that you also have:

$$f(1)>0$$

$$f(5)<0$$
 
MarkFL said:
Have you considered that you also have:

$$f(1)>0$$

$$f(5)<0$$

Thank you, MarkFL. Got it.
 
jacks said:
The no. of real solution of $$4x^2 = e^x.$$

$$\bf{My\; Try::}$$ Let $$f(x) = 4x^2-e^x\;,$$ Then $$f'(x)=8x-e^x$$

and $$f''(x)=8-e^x$$ and $$f'''(x)=-e^x<0\; \forall x \in \mathbb{R}$$

So $$f'''(x) = 0$$ has no real roots, So Using $$\bf{IVT}$$

equation $$f''(x) = 0$$ has at most one real roots.

and equation $$f'(x) = 0$$ has at most two real roots.

and equation $$f(x) = 0$$ has at most three real roots.

But I am getting only one root which lie in $$(-1,0)$$ because $$f(-1)>0$$ and $$f(0)<0$$

So please help me How can I calculate other two roots.

Thanks

It's interesting to analyse the more general case...

$\displaystyle a\ x^{2} = e^{x}\ (1)$

Extracting the square root we obtain from (1)...

$\displaystyle x\ e^{- \frac{x}{2}} = \pm \frac{1}{\sqrt{a}}\ (2)$

... the solution of which is...

$\displaystyle x = - 2\ W(\pm \frac{1}{2\ \sqrt{a}})\ (3)$

... where W(*) is the Lambert Function, which is represented in the figure...
i100304374._szw380h285_.jpg
W(*) is a multivalued function and for $- \frac{1}{e} < x < 0$ for each value of x we have two values of W(x). the conclusion is that (1) for $a> \frac{e^{2}}{4}$ has three real solutions, for $a= \frac{e^{2}}{4}$ two real solutions and for $a< \frac{e^{2}}{4}$ one real solution...

Kind regards

$\chi$ $\sigma$
 
Thanks chisigma for Yours Nice generalization.
 

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