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September 14, 2025, 10:11:45 pm

Author Topic: Challenge Question  (Read 2392 times)  Share 

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schoolstudent115

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Challenge Question
« on: May 01, 2021, 11:07:47 am »
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Guys I want to give a question I made (I’ve made a worked solution), and see how you guys solve it.

Without using a calculator:
Let f(x)=mx, where m>0, g(x)=e^x
a) Find the value of m for which f(x)=g(x) has exactly one solution.
b) Hence, find the coordinates of this point of intersection.
« Last Edit: May 01, 2021, 11:11:35 am by schoolstudent115 »
2021: ATAR: 99.95
2022-2024: University of Melbourne, BSci (Major in Mathematics and Statistics)

Harrycc3000

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Re: Challenge Question
« Reply #1 on: May 01, 2021, 05:40:32 pm »
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as there is only one solution, y=mx is a tangent of g(x)
therefore, gradient (m) is equal to g'(x)
therefore m=e^x
the intersection between this tangent and g(x) can be found by solving f(x)=g(x),
therefore for this tangent, mx=e^x
as m=e^x and mx=e^x,
m=mx
therefore
x=1 (x value at which gradient and y value is equal (which is x value of the intersection between e^x and its tangent))
therefore m(1)= e^(1)
therefore m=e
tangent is y=ex and point of intersection is at (1,e)
VCE 2020: Biology [50]
VCE 2021: Mathematical Methods [44], Specialist Mathematics [43], Psychology [45], Chemistry [45], English Language [49]
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