What Is the Maximum Value of P(x) in the Sequence?

  • Context: High School 
  • Thread starter Thread starter anemone
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    2015
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The maximum value of the function \( P(x) = \frac{99^x + 19^x}{x!} \) occurs at a specific integer \( x \) within the sequence of positive integers. The discussion highlights the importance of analyzing the ratio \( \frac{P(x+1)}{P(x)} \) to determine when \( P(x) \) reaches its peak. The correct solution was provided by user kaliprasad, confirming the effectiveness of this approach in solving the problem.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of factorial functions and their properties.
  • Familiarity with exponential functions and their growth rates.
  • Knowledge of limits and sequences in mathematical analysis.
  • Ability to analyze ratios of functions for optimization.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of factorial growth compared to exponential growth.
  • Learn about the ratio test for sequences and series convergence.
  • Explore optimization techniques in calculus, particularly for discrete functions.
  • Investigate similar problems involving sequences and their maxima.
USEFUL FOR

Mathematicians, students studying calculus or discrete mathematics, and anyone interested in optimization problems involving sequences and functions.

anemone
Gold Member
MHB
POTW Director
Messages
3,851
Reaction score
115
Let $P(x)=\dfrac{99^x+19^x}{x!}$ for $x=1,\,2,\,3,\cdots$.

Find $x$ such that $P(x)$ is greatest.
Remember to read the http://www.mathhelpboards.com/showthread.php?772-Problem-of-the-Week-%28POTW%29-Procedure-and-Guidelines to find out how to http://www.mathhelpboards.com/forms.php?do=form&fid=2!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Congratulations to kaliprasad for his correct solution::)

Model Answer:
Notice that $P(k)<P(k+1)$ iff $\dfrac{99^x+19^x}{x!}<\dfrac{99^{x+1}+19^{x+1}}{(x+1)!}$.

Simplifying it gives

$19^x(x-18)+99^x(x-98)<0$, which is true when $x=1,\,2,\,\cdots,97$ and is false for $x\ge 98$.

Hence, $P(k)$ is increasing for $x=1,\,2,\,\cdots,98$ and starts to decrease as $x$ inreases.

Thus, $P(x)$ is greatest at $x=98$
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K