Solve x^2+2^x=100: Step-by-Step Guide for Clear Understanding

  • Context: High School 
  • Thread starter Thread starter doc102
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving the equation x2 + 2x = 100. Participants explore various methods for finding solutions, including numerical techniques, rational approximations, and trial and error. The conversation includes both conceptual and mathematical reasoning related to the problem.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express confusion and request step-by-step guidance on solving the equation.
  • One participant suggests that the equation has no simple solutions but can be approximated using numerical techniques.
  • Another participant identifies x = 6 as a solution and discusses the behavior of the function for x < 0 and x > 0, proposing that there are only two real solutions.
  • A participant notes that the problem often appears in math quizzes, typically asking for the positive solution, and discusses the implications of assuming a rational solution.
  • Some participants mention using trial and error to find solutions, with one specifically stating that x = 6 satisfies the equation.
  • Another participant shares a visual representation of the solutions calculated using Mathematica, noting that both solutions are close to integer values.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that x = 6 is a solution, but there is no consensus on the existence of other solutions or the methods to find them. Multiple approaches and viewpoints are presented without resolution.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved assumptions regarding the nature of the solutions, particularly concerning rationality and the behavior of the functions involved. The discussion does not clarify the exact number of solutions or the methods for finding them analytically.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students or individuals interested in solving equations involving polynomial and exponential terms, as well as those looking for various problem-solving techniques in mathematics.

doc102
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
Thanks... Please show step. i am kinda confused
 
Last edited:
Mathematics news on Phys.org
doc102 said:
Thanks... Please show step. i am kinda confused
These sorts of functions don't have any simple solutions, but you can always find good approximations to them using various numerical techniques.

For this particular equation though, it just so happens that x=6 satisfies. Also, since x=-10 gives us (-10)2+2-10=100+2-10, which is just 1/1024 larger than 100 so then this other solution must be a tiny bit more positive than -10.

How do we know that there are only two real solutions? For x<0, x2 is the dominant term as 2x is only a smaller value between 0 and 1, so as x2 grows large as x gets larger in the negative direction, it will eventually cross the line y=100 and never come back. For x>0, both terms are dominant and grow larger, hence it must cross y=100 there too and also never come back. Hence we only have two solutions.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: CalcNerd and doc102
This particular problem comes up in math quizes, and usually they ask for the positive solution. Clearly the solution is less than 10.
Suppose that the solution is a rational, ##x=p/q##. Then
##\frac{p^2}{q^2} + 2^{p/q} = 100##.
The first term is rational, the right hand side is an integer. What does this tell you about the solution?
 
I guess you can use hit and trial to find out that x = 6 satisfies this equation. If it's known that the equation has integral roots, it's easy but otherwise ...
Maybe logarithms would be useful
 
Your problem have numerical solutions and they are attractive. See below picture which it is calculated with Mathematica:
uploadfromtaptalk1428759440897.jpg


This equation have two answer and both of them are very near to integer numbers. I tried to find analytical solution but I can't.
 
You could try trial and error method. As we have 2^x and x^2 in equation , x^2 is always positive hence 2^x is less than 100. hence x is less than 6,now put values of x=1,2,3,4,5,6. Here x=6 satisfies equation .Hence soln. is x=6.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
2K
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
2K
  • · Replies 23 ·
Replies
23
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
Replies
9
Views
3K