Number of solution for an exponential equation

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on finding the number of real solutions for the equation $$4x^2 = e^x$$. The function $$f(x) = 4x^2 - e^x$$ is analyzed using calculus, revealing that it has at most three real roots. The user identifies one root in the interval $$(-1,0)$$ and seeks assistance in locating the other two roots. A generalization is provided, indicating that for the equation $$a x^2 = e^x$$, the number of real solutions varies based on the value of $$a$$, with specific conditions for one, two, or three solutions.

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  • Understanding of calculus, specifically derivatives and the Intermediate Value Theorem (IVT).
  • Familiarity with the Lambert W function and its properties.
  • Knowledge of exponential functions and their behavior.
  • Basic algebraic manipulation skills for solving equations.
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  • Learn about the Intermediate Value Theorem and its implications in real analysis.
  • Explore the behavior of exponential functions in relation to polynomial functions.
  • Investigate the general case of equations of the form $$a x^2 = e^x$$ and their solution sets.
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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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