Find the value of x for which the function f(x) = e^x - x^2 has a horizontal tan
Practice Questions
Q1
Find the value of x for which the function f(x) = e^x - x^2 has a horizontal tangent.
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Questions & Step-by-Step Solutions
Find the value of x for which the function f(x) = e^x - x^2 has a horizontal tangent.
Step 1: Understand that a horizontal tangent means the slope of the function is zero.
Step 2: Find the derivative of the function f(x) = e^x - x^2. The derivative is f'(x) = e^x - 2x.
Step 3: Set the derivative equal to zero to find where the slope is zero: e^x - 2x = 0.
Step 4: Solve the equation e^x = 2x. This may require numerical methods or graphing to find the approximate solution.
Step 5: After solving, you find that x is approximately equal to 1.
Derivative and Tangent – The question tests the understanding of derivatives and the condition for a horizontal tangent, which occurs when the derivative equals zero.
Exponential and Polynomial Functions – The function involves both exponential and polynomial components, requiring knowledge of their behavior and interaction.