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

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The function P(x) is defined as P(x) = (99^x + 19^x) / x! for positive integers x. The objective is to determine the value of x that maximizes P(x). The discussion highlights that the maximum occurs at a specific integer value, which has been successfully identified by a participant. The solution process involves analyzing the behavior of the function as x increases. The thread concludes with congratulations to the participant for their correct solution.
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Let $P(x)=\dfrac{99^x+19^x}{x!}$ for $x=1,\,2,\,3,\cdots$.

Find $x$ such that $P(x)$ is greatest.
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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 $x=98$
 
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