Chapter 7: Problem 54
Is it possible that \(\ln x=\left(\sqrt[3]{e x^{2}+(\pi-2 e) x+e-\pi}+\sqrt{\pi x^{2}+(\sqrt{2}-2 \pi) x+\pi-\sqrt{2}}\right)^{1 / 17}\) for all \(x>0\) ? Justify your answer.
Short Answer
Expert verified
The given equation is not true for all \(x > 0\), because when \(0 < x < 1\), \(\ln x\) is negative, while the right-side of the equation is always positive for \(x > 0\). This contradiction indicates that the equation cannot hold true for all \(x > 0\).
Step by step solution
01
Re-write the equation slightly for easier understanding
Let's rewrite the equation slightly:
\(\ln x = \left(\sqrt[3]{f(x)} + \sqrt{g(x)}\right)^{\frac{1}{17}}\)
where
\(f(x) = ex^2 + (\pi - 2e)x + e - \pi\)
\(g(x) = \pi x^2 + (\sqrt{2} - 2\pi)x + \pi - \sqrt{2}\)
02
Examine the behavior of f(x) and g(x) for x > 0
We need to determine the behavior of \(f(x)\) and \(g(x)\) for all \(x>0\).
- For \(f(x)\), since every term is positive for \(x > 0\), it is always positive.
- For \(g(x)\), since every term is positive for \(x > 0\), it is also always positive.
Now, we know that both functions inside the cube root and square root are always positive for \(x>0\).
03
Check the range of \(\ln x\)
Recall the properties of natural logarithm:
- If \(x > 1\), then \(\ln x > 0\)
- If \(x = 1\), then \(\ln x = 0\)
- If \(0 < x < 1\), then \(\ln x < 0\)
However, the right side of the equation will always be positive for \(x > 0\) since both \(f(x)\) and \(g(x)\) are always positive, and we are taking the cube root and square root of them.
04
Identify contradiction in the equation
When \(0 < x < 1\), the natural logarithm, \(\ln x\), is negative. Since the right-side of the equation is always positive for \(x > 0\), this contradicts the given equation. Therefore, the given equation cannot be true for all \(x > 0\).
The contradiction occurs when \(0 < x < 1\), where the left-side of the equation (\(\ln x\)) is negative, while the right-side of the equation is always positive. Hence, the given equation is not true for all \(x > 0\).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Understanding Natural Logarithm
The natural logarithm, denoted as \( \ln x \), is a crucial concept in calculus. It represents the logarithm to the base \( e \), where \( e \) is approximately 2.71828. This mathematical function transforms multiplication into addition, making it easier to handle exponential growth or decay. It exhibits specific behavior based on the value of \( x \):
- If \( x > 1 \), \( \ln x \) is positive because \( e^y = x \) where \( y > 0 \).
- If \( x = 1 \), \( \ln x = 0 \) because \( e^0 = 1 \).
- If \( 0 < x < 1 \), \( \ln x \) becomes negative since the exponential \( y \) must be less than one to result in a fraction less than 1.
Polynomial Functions Basics
Polynomial functions are expressions involving sums of powers in one or more variables multiplied by coefficients. The general form of a polynomial in one variable is \( a_n x^n + a_{n-1} x^{n-1} + \ldots + a_1 x + a_0 \). The degree of the polynomial is the highest power of \( x \) that appears with a non-zero coefficient.
- The polynomial \( f(x) = ex^2 + (\pi - 2e)x + e - \pi \) is a quadratic polynomial. Its behavior for \( x > 0 \) shows all terms contribute positively, ensuring \( f(x) > 0 \).
- The polynomial \( g(x) = \pi x^2 + (\sqrt{2} - 2\pi)x + \pi - \sqrt{2} \) behaves similarly, being always positive for \( x > 0 \).
Exploring Function Behavior
Understanding how a function behaves helps predict its output over a specific range of inputs. The behavior of the functions involved in this problem, \( f(x) \) and \( g(x) \), is significant:
- Both \( f(x) \) and \( g(x) \) are strictly positive for \( x > 0 \) as expected from their polynomial terms that govern these functions' behaviors.
- As a result, taking \( \sqrt{g(x)} \) or \( \sqrt[3]{f(x)} \) will always yield a positive result, ensuring that the right side of the given equation remains positive for all positive \( x \).
The Role of Mathematical Contradiction
A mathematical contradiction occurs when two statements or results directly oppose each other, proving that an assumption or equation cannot hold. In this case:
- When \( 0 < x < 1 \), the function \( \ln x \) yields a negative value since it handles results less than \( e \). However, the expression \( (\sqrt[3]{f(x)} + \sqrt{g(x)})^{\frac{1}{17}} \) is always positive for \( x > 0 \).
- This creates a situation of contradiction because the left-hand side of the equation can be negative, whereas the right-hand side remains strictly positive. Thus, the equation cannot be valid for all positive \( x \).