Roots of an Exponential Equation
Consider the equation --
If a plot is made of a fuction determinede by each side of the equation then the roots of the given equation will be determined by where the two curves intersect. From the graph at the right one can see there are roots at approximately
x = -0.94 and x = 1.08
Are these the only roots?
Proof?
The graph of
shows similar information. These graph can be readily produced with a hand-held calculator such as the TI-83 or any graphing software.
Consider taking the logarithm to some base of each side of the equation and make graphs of the log functions.
INTERPRET
Prove: There are 3 roots to the equation
Find approximations to the three roots using iteration (perhaps implemented on a spreadsheet).
