Polynomial and Logarithmic Function Intersection Analysis

00:00 7 marks

  • Exam Style - Paper 1
  • SL & HL
  • Tier 3
  • Verification of solutions
  • Domain of logarithmic functions
  • Intersection of graphs
  • Numerical solutions of equations

Consider the functions \( f(x) = x^2 – 7x + 10 \) and \( g(x) = \ln(x) \). We want to find the points of intersection of these two functions, which requires solving the equation \( x^2 – 7x + 10 = \ln(x) \). Remember that the domain of the logarithmic function \( g(x) = \ln(x) \) is \( x > 0 \).

(a) Write down the equation that needs to be solved to find the x-coordinates of the intersection points of \( f(x) \) and \( g(x) \). State the domain restriction that must be considered.

(b) Find the approximate solutions to the equation \( x^2 – 7x + 10 = \ln(x) \). Give your answers rounded to two decimal places.

(c) (For HL students) Verify that the approximate solutions found in part (b) are valid solutions to the equation by substituting them back into \( f(x) \) and \( g(x) \). Comment on the accuracy of your approximations and ensure that the domain restriction is satisfied.

Part a

3 minutes 2 marks

Question

Write down the equation to find the intersection points of \( f(x) = x^2 – 7x + 10 \) and \( g(x) = \ln(x) \), and state the necessary domain restriction.



Hint Hint

Hint

Set \(f(x) = g(x)\) and consider the domain of \(\ln(x)\).

  • Answer Answer

Complete Answer

Equation: \( x^2 – 7x + 10 = \ln(x) \)
Domain restriction: \( x > 0 \)

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Part b

4 minutes 3 marks

Question

Solve the equation \( x^2 – 7x + 10 = \ln(x) \) approximately. Round your answers to two decimal places.



Hint Hint

Hint

Use a graphical calculator to graph \( y = x^2 – 7x + 10 \) and \( y = \ln(x) \) and find the x-coordinates of their intersection points.

  • Answer Answer

Complete Answer

The approximate solutions are \( x \approx 1.82 \) and \( x \approx 5.49 \).

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Part c

3 minutes 2 marks

Question

For HL students: Verify that the solutions \( x \approx 1.82 \) and \( x \approx 5.49 \) are valid approximate solutions by substituting them into \( f(x) \) and \( g(x) \). Comment on the accuracy and domain considerations.



Hint Hint

Hint

Calculate \(f(1.82)\), \(g(1.82)\), \(f(5.49)\), and \(g(5.49)\) and compare the values. Check if both solutions are in the domain \(x > 0\).

  • Answer Answer

Complete Answer

For \( x \approx 1.82 \): \( f(1.82) \approx 0.57 \), \( g(1.82) \approx 0.60 \).
For \( x \approx 5.49 \): \( f(5.49) \approx 1.71 \), \( g(5.49) \approx 1.70 \).
Both solutions are valid as they are in the domain \( x > 0 \) and give close values for \( f(x) \) and \( g(x) \).

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