Chapter 4: Problem 101
101-107. Choose the correct answer: $$ \frac{d}{d x} e^{x}=\quad \text { a. } x e^{x-1} \quad \text { b. } e^{x} \quad \text { c. } 0 $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The correct answer is b. \( e^{x} \).
Step by step solution
01
Understand the Problem
We are asked to find the derivative of the exponential function \( e^x \). The derivative is represented as \( \frac{d}{dx} e^{x} \).
02
Recall the Derivative Rule
The derivative of \( e^{x} \) with respect to \( x \) is one of the basic rules of differentiation. Specifically, \( \frac{d}{dx} e^x = e^x \).
03
Analyze the Options
We have three options: a. \( x e^{x-1} \), b. \( e^{x} \), c. 0. We need to match our derivative result \( e^{x} \) with the correct option.
04
Choose the Correct Answer
The correct derivative, \( e^{x} \), matches option b. Thus, the correct answer is b. \( e^x \).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Exponential Function
The exponential function, denoted as \( e^x \), is a mathematical function that describes continuous growth or decay. It is widely used in areas like physics, finance, and biology due to its unique property of self-similarity: the rate of change of \( e^x \) is proportional to its current value. This results in exponential growth where things increase quickly and vastly over time.
- Unique Nature: The base of the exponential function is the number \( e \), approximately equal to 2.71828. It is an irrational number, much like \( \, \pi \, \), and is fundamental in calculus.
- Growth Pattern: The function \( e^x \) shows how quantities grow at rates proportional to their current size, which you’ll see in processes like population growth and compound interest.
- Euler's Formula: This formula connects complex numbers and exponential functions in a profound way: \( e^{ix} = \cos(x) + i\sin(x) \).
Derivative Rules
Differentiation is a central concept in calculus, pivotal for understanding how functions change. When we talk about finding the derivative of a function, we are essentially identifying the function's rate of change.
- Power Rule: If you have a function \( x^n \), the derivative is \( nx^{n-1} \). This is fundamental for polynomial expressions.
- Exponential Rule: A very specific and powerful rule is that the derivative of \( e^x \) with respect to \( x \) is \( e^x \) itself. This self-replicating property is unique to exponential functions with the base \( e \).
- Sum and Difference: For functions consisting of sums or differences, differentiate term by term: \( \frac{d}{dx} [f(x) + g(x)] = f'(x) + g'(x) \).
- Product and Quotient Rules: Different rules apply when functions multiply or divide each other: the product rule and quotient rule respectively.
Basic Calculus Concepts
Calculus is built upon several foundational ideas that help describe how and why things change in the world around us.
- Limits: A limit helps us understand what happens to a function as the input approaches a particular point. It lays the groundwork for defining derivatives and integrals.
- Continuity: This property of functions ensures there are no sudden jumps, breaks, or holes in the graph of a function. For a function to be differentiable, it must first be continuous.
- Derivatives: As mentioned, derivatives represent rates of change. They're useful in finding slopes of tangent lines, and they provide crucial insights in physics for understanding motion.
- Integrals: The "opposite" of differentiation, integration is used to calculate areas under curves and accumulate quantities over an interval.