Derivative and integral of e^anything

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    Derivative Integral
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the differentiation and integration of the exponential function \( e^{f(x)} \), particularly focusing on the cases where \( f(x) \) is a function of \( x \) versus when it is a constant. Participants explore the implications of the chain rule in these contexts and express confusion regarding the application of these rules.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asserts that the integral and derivative of \( e^x \) is \( e^x \) itself, but questions arise about the validity of this for \( e^{f(x)} \) where \( f(x) \) is not a constant.
  • Another participant clarifies that the rule applies only when the exponent is a constant, emphasizing the need for the chain rule when differentiating \( e^{f(x)} \).
  • Confusion is expressed regarding whether terms like \( 6x + 4x^2 + 5y^3 \) are considered constants or functions of \( x \).
  • Participants discuss specific examples, such as the derivative of \( e^{2x} \) being \( 2e^{2x} \) and the integral of \( e^{2x} \) leading to \( \frac{e^{2x}}{2} \).
  • One participant notes that while \( e^{x^2} \) has a derivative expressible in elementary terms, its integral cannot be expressed in such terms and relates it to the error function.
  • There is a question about whether the rules discussed apply to other bases, such as \( x^{x^2} \), leading to a discussion on the differentiation of such expressions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the need for the chain rule when differentiating \( e^{f(x)} \) where \( f(x) \) is a function of \( x \). However, there remains some confusion and disagreement regarding the application of these rules in specific cases and the interpretation of constants versus functions.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the definitions of constants and functions in the context of differentiation and integration, particularly in relation to the chain rule. There are unresolved questions about specific integrals and the applicability of rules to different forms of exponentiation.

stargazer843
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the integral and derivative of e^x is e^x itself.

I was told that the derivative and integral of e to the ANYTHING power is e to that something power, meaning that:

∫(e^(6x+4x²+5y³))dx is e^(6x+4x²+5y³)

and

d/dx(e^(6x+4x²+5y³)) is e^(6x+4x²+5y³)

However I recently saw an equation in which ∫(e^(ln(2)*x))dx equalled (1/ln(x))*e^(ln(2)*x)

I do not understand what this is…. They said that this had something to do with the reverse chain rule, but this confused me even more…

If the exponent is seen as an "inside part of the function", then

d/dx(x^y)

would = (d/dx)*y*x^(y-1)

instead of just y*x^(y-1)

I'm very confused whether exponents are "inside functions" or not and why ∫(e^(ln(2)*x))dx did not equal e^(ln(2)*x)

Did I learn the wrong information? What am I not understanding? Please help D=
 
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The "ANYTHING" you referred to only includes constants (so it's not really anything). If you have e to the some function of x, you need the chain rule for differentiation.
 
so x is constant, but ln(2)*x is not?

how do I differentiate between those two situations?

would 6x+4x²+5y³ be constant or a function of x?
 
Sorry, I was somehow a bit confused. The only function that equals to its derivative is e^x. You have to use the chain rule for other cases.
 
ohhhh. so derivative of e^2x would be 2*e^2x?

and integral of e^2x would be (e^2x)/2?
 
Yupp :)
 
so how would you integrate ex^2?
:wink:
 
Last edited:
By the chain rule, the derivative of e^{f(x)}
is e^{f(x)}f'(x)
so that, for example,the derivative of e^{2x} is e^{2x} times the derivative of 2x which is 2- the derivative of e^{2x} is 2e^{2x}. The derivative of e^{x^2} is e^{x^2} times the derivative of x^2 which is 2x. The derivative of e^{x^2} is 2xe^{x^2}.

However, since the integral is defined "inversely" (the integral of f(x) is the function whose derivative is f(x)), there are no general "rules" for integration and most elementary functions cannot be integrated in terms of elementary functions. In particular, while e^{x^2} is continuous and so has an integral, it cannot be written in terms of elementary functions.

It can be written in terms of the "error function", Erf(x). To integrate e^{x^2}, let x= iy so that dx= i dy amd x^2= -y^2. Then
\int e^{x^2}dx= \int e^{-y^2}i dy= i\int e^{-y^2}dy= iErf(y)= i Erf(-ix)
where "Erf(x)" is defined as the integral of e^{-x^2}.
 
This rule also applies to exponents of X or Y right, not just e?

so the derivative of x^(x²) would be 2x*(x²)*x^(x²-1)?
 
  • #10
stargazer843 said:
This rule also applies to exponents of X or Y right, not just e?

so the derivative of x^(x²) would be 2x*(x²)*x^(x²-1)?

To solve that one, let y = xx2 so that ln(y) = x2ln(x).
Differentiating both sides yields y'/y = x2/x + 2xln(x) = x + 2xln(x), where y' = dy/dx. Then y' = xx2(x + (2x)ln(x)).
 

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