Mathematics 9709 · AS & A Level · Numerical solution of equations

Numerical solution of equations — practice question

The curve with equation $y=e^{-5x}\ln(5x)$ has a stationary point at $x=p$.
(a)[3]

Show that $p$ fulfils the equation $\ln(5p)=\frac{1}{5p}$.

(b)[2]

By drawing a suitable pair of graphs, show that the equation in part (a) has just one root.

(c)[2]

Show by calculation that $0.2 \le p \le 0.6$.

(d)[3]

It is given that the equation in part (a) may be rewritten as $p=\frac{1}{5}\exp\!\left(\frac{1}{5p}\right)$, where $\exp(x)$ means $e^x$. Use an iterative formula based on this rearrangement to calculate $p$ correct to 2 decimal places. Give the result of each iteration to 4 decimal places.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 10-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: Apply the correct product or quotient rule, for example $e^{-5x}\frac{d}{dx}(\ln5x)+\ln5x\frac{d}{dx}(e^{-5x})$

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