Author: Ćurgus, Branko

Source: The College Mathematics Journal, Volume 37, Number 5, November 2006 , pp. 344-354(11)

Publisher: Mathematical Association of America

Abstract:

We show that there is a link between a standard calculus problem of finding the best view of a painting and special tangent lines to the graphs of exponential functions. Surprisingly, the exponential function with the "best view" is not the one with the base e. A similar link is established for families of functions obtained by composing exponential functions with a fixed linear function. The key tool in the proof is the Lambert W function.

Document Type: Research article

Publication date: 2006-11-01

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• The College Mathematics Journal is designed to enhance classroom learning and stimulate thinking regarding undergraduate mathematics. CMJ publishes articles, short Classroom Capsules, problems, solutions, media reviews and other pieces. All are aimed at the college mathematics curriculum with emphasis on topics taught in the first two years.
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