Chapter 5: Problem 22
Calculate the derivative with respect to \(x\) of the given expression. \(5^{x}\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
The derivative of \( 5^x \) is \( 5^x \ln(5) \).
Step by step solution
01
Understand the Exponential Function Derivative
For any exponential function of the form \( a^x \), the derivative with respect to \( x \) is given by \( a^x \ln(a) \). Here, \( a \) is the base of the exponential function.
02
Identify Parameters of the Function
In the given function \( 5^x \), the base \( a \) is 5. We will use this in the derivative formula \( a^x \ln(a) \).
03
Apply the Derivative Formula
Using the formula from Step 1 and the identified parameters, substitute \( a = 5 \) into the derivative formula: \[ \frac{d}{dx}[5^x] = 5^x \ln(5) \] This provides the derivative of the function.
04
Write the Final Result
The derivative of the expression \( 5^x \) with respect to \( x \) is \( 5^x \ln(5) \). This is the simplified version of the expression after differentiation.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Exponential Function
An exponential function is a mathematical expression of the form \( a^x \), where \( a \) is a constant base and \( x \) is the variable exponent. Exponential functions are unique because the variable is the exponent, rather than the base. This is a key distinction that gives exponential functions their distinctive growth characteristics. Main Points:
- Base \( a \): The base \( a \) must be a positive real number. Typically, \( a > 0 \) and \( a eq 1 \).
- Rapid Growth or Decay: Depending on the base, exponential functions can grow or decay rapidly. For example, if \( a > 1 \), the function exhibits exponential growth. Conversely, if \( 0 < a < 1 \), it shows exponential decay.
- Common Bases: Often, the base is \( e \) (approximately 2.718) or 10. However, any positive number can serve as the base, such as in the problem where base 5 is used.
Exponential Derivatives
Differentiating exponential functions involves special derivative rules. For an exponential function with a base \( a \), the derivative essentially mimics the structure of the function itself.Formula for Differentiation:
- The general formula for the derivative of \( a^x \) is \( a^x \ln(a) \).
- Chain Rule: The differentiation of \( e^x \) is \( e^x \) itself. Thus, for \( a^x \), rewrite it using \( e \): \( a^x = e^{x \ln a} \).
- Application of Chain Rule: Differentiating \( e^{x \ln a} \) by applying the chain rule, we get \( \ln(a) \cdot e^{x \ln a} = a^x \ln(a) \).
Derivative Formulas
Derivative formulas are the basis of calculus problem-solving, used to find rates at which things change. The general understanding of derivative formulas, especially for exponential functions, is vital for performing accurate calculations. Key Derivative Formulas:
- Exponential Functions: As previously mentioned, the derivative of \( a^x \) is \( a^x \ln(a) \).
- Natural Exponential Function: The derivative of \( e^x \) is simple since it is \( e^x \) itself, facilitating calculations in a variety of contexts.
- Power Rule: For any power function \( x^n \), the derivative is \( nx^{n-1} \).
- Sum Rule: If you differentiate a sum of functions, you can do so individually for each function and then sum those derivatives.