Solving for b: Find the Tangent Line of y = e^{bx} at y = 10x

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the value of b for which the line y = 10x is tangent to the curve y = e^{bx} at some point in the xy-plane. Participants are exploring the conditions necessary for tangency between a linear function and an exponential function.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the requirement that the derivative of the exponential function must equal the slope of the tangent line. There are questions about the correctness of the initial equations and the conditions for tangency.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants questioning the validity of the equations presented and the assumptions made regarding the relationship between the functions. Some guidance has been offered regarding the properties that must hold for tangency, but no consensus has been reached.

Contextual Notes

There appears to be confusion regarding the setup of the problem and the equations used, with participants pointing out potential errors in the original poster's approach. The nature of the problem suggests a need for clarity on the conditions for tangency between the two functions.

Dustinsfl
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For what value of b is the line y = 10x tangent to the curve y = e[tex]^{bx}[/tex] at some point in the xy-plane?

y' = b*e[tex]^{bx}[/tex] = 10x

How can I solve for b here?
 
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Dustinsfl said:
For what value of b is the line y = 10x tangent to the curve y = e[tex]^{bx}[/tex] at some point in the xy-plane?

y' = b*e[tex]^{bx}[/tex] = 10x

How can I solve for b here?

Your equation isn't right.

What condition(s) must be satisfied if [itex]y = 10x[/itex] is tangent to [itex]y = e^{bx}[/itex] at some point?
 
It has to be the derivative.
 
Dustinsfl said:
It has to be the derivative.

What has to be what derivative? Try to be precise when you are expressing ideas in mathematics.

Say I have two differentiable functions, [itex]f(x)[/itex] and [itex]g(x)[/itex]. What must be true if [itex]g[/itex] is tangent to [itex]f[/itex] at some point [itex]x_0[/itex]?
 
I already solved for the derivative in my 1st post and set it equal to the tangent equation since the derivative needs to equal that to satisfy the problem. The problem was that I have b times e to the b where I need to solve for b.
 
Dustinsfl said:
I already solved for the derivative in my 1st post and set it equal to the tangent equation since the derivative needs to equal that to satisfy the problem. The problem was that I have b times e to the b where I need to solve for b.

As I already said, your equation is wrong, so there is no point trying to solve it for b.

Can you explain why you set the derivative of the exponential equal to 10x?
 
That is what I need the derivative to be equal.
 
Dustinsfl said:
That is what I need the derivative to be equal.

No it's not.

What properties of a curve and a line must be equal if the line is to be tangent to the curve at a point?
 
We can keep going around and circles all day but it isn't going to get anywhere.
 
  • #10
Dustinsfl said:
We can keep going around and circles all day but it isn't going to get anywhere.

OK, good luck.
 
  • #11
Dustinsfl said:
We can keep going around and circles all day but it isn't going to get anywhere.

"We" ? You are the one thinking in circles, jbunniii is actually trying to point you the way out of your circles, but it seems you just don't want to listen...
 

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