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Date None Specimen Marks available 3 Reference code SPNone.1.hl.TZ0.9
Level HL only Paper 1 Time zone TZ0
Command term Sketch Question number 9 Adapted from N/A

Question

The function f is defined on the domain \(x \geqslant 0\) by \(f(x) = {{\text{e}}^x} - {x^{\text{e}}}\) .

(i)     Find an expression for \(f'(x)\) .

(ii)     Given that the equation \(f'(x) = 0\) has two roots, state their values.

[3]
a.

Sketch the graph of f , showing clearly the coordinates of the maximum and minimum.

[3]
b.

Hence show that \({{\text{e}}^\pi } > {\pi ^{\text{e}}}\) .

[1]
c.

Markscheme

(i)     \(f'(x) = {{\text{e}}^x} - {\text{e}}{x^{{\text{e}} - 1}}\)     A1

 

(ii)     by inspection the two roots are 1, e     A1A1

[3 marks]

a.

    A3

Note: Award A1 for maximum, A1 for minimum and A1 for general shape.

 

[3 marks]

b.

from the graph: \({{\text{e}}^x} > {x^{\text{e}}}\) for all \(x > 0\) except x = e     R1

putting \(x = \pi \) , conclude that \({{\text{e}}^\pi } > {\pi ^{\text{e}}}\)     AG

[1 mark]

c.

Examiners report

[N/A]
a.
[N/A]
b.
[N/A]
c.

Syllabus sections

Topic 2 - Core: Functions and equations » 2.2 » The graph of a function; its equation \(y = f\left( x \right)\) .
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