Real Solutions to Equations [2^x = 1+x^2 & 3^x+4^x+5^x = x^2]

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the number of real solutions to two equations: \(2^x = 1+x^2\) and \(3^x+4^x+5^x = x^2\). Participants explore various methods, including derivative tests and numerical approaches, to analyze the behavior of the functions involved.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes that \(x = 0\) and \(x = 1\) are solutions to the equation \(2^x = 1+x^2\) and suggests using derivative tests to find other solutions.
  • Another participant argues that \(x = 1\) is the only solution based on the increasing nature of the function derived from the equation.
  • A different participant claims there are actually three real solutions, including a solution for \(x > 4\) that requires numerical methods to find.
  • Some participants express uncertainty about the correctness of their derivatives and the formulation of the function \(f(x)\).

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is disagreement regarding the number of real solutions to the equation \(2^x = 1+x^2\). While one participant asserts there is only one solution, another claims there are three, indicating a lack of consensus.

Contextual Notes

Participants note potential errors in derivative calculations and function definitions, which may affect the analysis of solutions.

juantheron
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No. of real solution of the equations

[1]:: $2^x = 1+x^2$

[2]:: $3^x+4^x+5^x = x^2$

My Trail for solution::

[1] Let $f(x) = 2^x-1-x^2$. Here Clearly $x = 0$ and $x = 1$ are solution of Given equation. Now We will find any other solution exists OR not.

So we use Derivative Test

$f^{'}(x) = 2^x \cdot \ln(2) - 2x$ and $f^{''}(x) = 2^x \cdot (\ln(2))^2-2$ and $f^{'''}(x) = 2^x \cdot (\ln(2))^3 > 0\forall x\in \mathbb{R}$

So Here $f^{'}(x)$ is Concave Upward.(Means Max. at Infty. but no idea about min.)

So $f^{'}(x) $ has at most $2$ real solution.

Now I did not understand it after that

Help Required.

Thanks
 
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jacks said:
No. of real solution of the equations

[1]:: $2^x = 1+x^2$

[2]:: $3^x+4^x+5^x = x^2$

My Trail for solution::

[1] Let $f(x) = 2^x-1-x^2$. Here Clearly $x = 0$ and $x = 1$ are solution of Given equation. Now We will find any other solution exists OR not.

So we use Derivative Test

$f^{'}(x) = 2^x \cdot \ln(2) - 2x$ and $f^{''}(x) = 2^x \cdot (\ln(2))^2-2$ and $f^{'''}(x) = 2^x \cdot (\ln(2))^3 > 0\forall x\in \mathbb{R}$

So Here $f^{'}(x)$ is Concave Upward.(Means Max. at Infty. but no idea about min.)

So $f^{'}(x) $ has at most $2$ real solution.

Now I did not understand it after that

Help Required.

Thanks

For the first one, just by inspection we can see that \displaystyle \begin{align*} x = 1 \end{align*} is a solution.

Now notice that if \displaystyle \begin{align*} f(x) = 1 + x^2 + 2^x \end{align*}, then \displaystyle \begin{align*} f'(x) = 2x + 2^x\ln{(2)} \end{align*}, which is obviously positive if \displaystyle \begin{align*} x > 0 \end{align*}, and since the function is increasing it can never get back to 0.

Also note that \displaystyle \begin{align*} 1 + x^2 \geq 1 \end{align*} for all x, while \displaystyle \begin{align*} 2^x < 1 \end{align*} for all \displaystyle \begin{align*} x < 0 \end{align*}, so there can't be any solutions if \displaystyle \begin{align*} x < 0 \end{align*}.

So that means there is only one solution, and it happens to be x = 1.
 
jacks said:
[1]:: $2^x = 1+x^2$

Prove It said:
So that means there is only one solution, and it happens to be x = 1.
Actually there are three real solutions...

-Dan

Edit: I should mention that the x > 4 solution has to be done numerically.
 

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Oops, my derivative was incorrect, sorry :(
 
Prove It said:
Oops, my derivative was incorrect, sorry :(
It wasn't the derivative, but f(x) = 2^x - 1 - x^2. You said it was f(x) = 2^x + 1 + x^2. Easy enough to make the mistake.

-Dan
 

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