A simple equation, can Mathematica solve it?
- To: mathgroup at smc.vnet.net
- Subject: [mg2610] A simple equation, can Mathematica solve it?
- From: Jiri Vitesnik <jiri at pica.com.au>
- Date: Mon, 27 Nov 1995 21:36:06 -0500
2:00 PM 27/11/95
A simple equation, can Mathematica solve
it?
I was recently given a competition problem to test Mathematica's equation=
solving capabilities.
Solve[(x^2 - 5x + 5)^(x^2 - 9x + 20) =3D=3D 1,x]
An easy question to do with little knowledge, a pencil and a piece of pap=
er.
Mathematica can be useful; but:
Solve makes no attempt even though I was told that some competing product=
s give the x=3D4 & x=3D5 solutions.
Graphing the function:
Plot[(x^2 - 5x + 5)^(x^2 - 9x + 20) - 1,{x,0.9,5}] will provide the third=
solution of x=3D1. To get the right domain requires a little understandi=
ng and patience.
The final two solutions will come to light with:
Table[{x,x^2 - 5x + 5)^(x^2 - 9x + 20) - 1},{x,1,4,.1}]
Can Mathematica be used in a more elegant way to give the full solution?
Kind regards
Jiri