What is the Meaning and Origin of the Mathematical Constant e?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the mathematical constant e, its meaning, origin, and applications in various fields such as calculus, economics, and physics. Participants are exploring the significance of e in mathematical contexts, particularly in relation to integration and differentiation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the definition of e and its derivation from limits, specifically the sequence (1 + 1/n)^n. There are inquiries about its implications in exponential functions and their relevance in real-world applications.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with participants sharing insights about the utility of e in different contexts. There is an expression of curiosity and a request for further clarification regarding the use of names in the discussion.

Contextual Notes

Participants are engaging with the topic in a casual manner, indicating a mix of personal experience and academic inquiry. There is a mention of a specific tool (TI-89 calculator) that may be used to explore the value of e further.

Leonidas
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alright... so what is e? I'm doing all this fun stuff integrating and deriving things with e in them to find weird stuff... the homework isn't too bad...

but what the heck is e?

I know what number it stands for... but where do we get it from and what does it mean?
 
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The limit of the sequence:
[tex](1+\frac{1}{n})^{n}[/tex]

It is very useful and especially the exponential function built with it.The latter has the property that the rate of growth (i.e. the derivative) is always proportional to the function.Economics and banking are depending upon epxonential function.Science in general...

Physics is written with the exponential.


Daniel.
 
Last edited:
thanks...thats really cool, I left my ti-89 at school, but when i get it again, i'll plug that into it and see if it gives me e...

that is really cool...

one more question...


why did you say Daniel at the very end of your post?
 
:smile: Because that's my name?? :smile:

Daniel.

PS.It's like a letter.You have to sign.Besides,the username is different from the name itself.
 

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