Estimate Smallest Distance Between (0,0) and y=e^x

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In summary, the smallest distance between the point (0,0) and the curve y = e^x can be estimated by using the Intermediate Value Theorem (IVT) and Rolle's Theorem (RT). Using RT, it is possible to find a point where the tangent to the function d2 is horizontal, which would be the minimum distance. IVT can then be applied to the derivative of x^2 to find the minimum, since the derivative goes to +∞ as x approaches +∞ and -∞ as x approaches -∞.
  • #1
erencan144
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"Using IVT and RT work out an estimate for the smallest distance between the point (0,0) and the curve
y = e^x "
Can anyone help me with this question? Thanks.


Note: IVT is "Intermediate Value Theorem" and RT is "Rolle's Theorem"
 
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  • #2
What is the function for distance between the points (0,0) and (x,e^x)?
 
  • #3
d2=x2+e2x

RT says there is a point where the tangent (to d2) is horizontal, since the function ->+∞ for both x and -x ->∞. This would be the minimum.

Use IVT on the derivative of x2 let's you find the minimum (0 derivative), since the derivative goes to +∞ as x goes to +∞, while it goes to -∞ as x goes to -∞.
 

FAQ: Estimate Smallest Distance Between (0,0) and y=e^x

What is the smallest distance between the point (0,0) and the curve y=e^x?

The smallest distance between the point (0,0) and the curve y=e^x is 1 unit. This is because the curve intersects the y-axis at the point (0,1), making the shortest distance between the point and the curve 1 unit.

How do you calculate the smallest distance between (0,0) and y=e^x?

The smallest distance between (0,0) and y=e^x can be calculated using the Pythagorean theorem. We can draw a perpendicular line from the point (0,0) to the curve y=e^x, and this line will intersect the curve at the point (0,1). Then, we can use the formula d = √(x^2 + y^2) to calculate the distance, which in this case will be 1 unit.

Is the smallest distance between (0,0) and y=e^x always 1 unit?

Yes, the smallest distance between (0,0) and y=e^x will always be 1 unit. This is because the curve y=e^x is an exponential function that increases rapidly, so at any given point on the curve, the distance from (0,0) to that point will always be 1 unit.

Can the smallest distance between (0,0) and y=e^x be negative?

No, the smallest distance between (0,0) and y=e^x cannot be negative. Distance is always a positive value, and in this case, the distance is 1 unit. Even if we consider the point (0,-1) on the curve, the distance from (0,0) to that point would still be 1 unit.

How does the value of e affect the smallest distance between (0,0) and y=e^x?

The value of e does not affect the smallest distance between (0,0) and y=e^x. The value of e only affects the steepness of the curve, but the distance between the point (0,0) and the curve will always be 1 unit, regardless of the value of e.

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