Is this possible without a calculator?

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In summary, the conversation was about a problem involving optimization, specifically finding the maximum value of a function. The derivative of the function was derived to be R' = (1-lnx)/x^2, and the conversation discussed how to find the stationary points of the function, which occur when R' = 0. The conversation also mentioned using the null factor law to solve for x, and eventually found the correct answer of x=2.71. The conversation concluded by discussing the value of e (2.718281828...) as the base of the natural log and how it relates to the problem.
  • #1
Procrastinate
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I was doing this problem about optimization and I derived it to:

R' = (1-lnx)/x2

(This was the right derivative by the way as the maximum on the R function was the same answer as when R' = 0)Anyways as R' = 0 when stationary points occur:

0 = (1-lnx)/x2

I was wondering whether it was possible to do that without the help of a graph/graphics calculator because of the zero there. I managed to get the correct answer which was x=2.71 but I couldn't do it manually because of the zero even when I used the null factor law (1-lnx) = 0 or 1/x2 = 0.
 
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  • #2
2.718281828... is the base of the natural log.

Plug ln(x) = 2.718281828 into your calculator. The answer should be close to 1.
 
  • #3
Procrastinate said:
I was doing this problem about optimization and I derived it to:

R' = (1-lnx)/x2

(This was the right derivative by the way as the maximum on the R function was the same answer as when R' = 0)


Anyways as R' = 0 when stationary points occur:

0 = (1-lnx)/x2

(1-lnx) = 0 or 1/x2 = 0.

1-lnx=0 or lnx = 1

[tex]lnx = \log_e{x} = 1[/tex]

It is true when x = e = 2.71.
 
  • #4
Thank you.
 

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