Problem differentiating exponential function in Maxima

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SUMMARY

The forum discussion centers on differentiating the exponential function using Maxima software. A user encountered an unexpected output when attempting to differentiate the expression diff(1-exp^(-t/R*C),t);. The confusion arose from the lack of parentheses, which altered the order of operations, leading to an incorrect interpretation of the formula. The correct differentiation requires proper grouping of terms, specifically 1/(R*C) instead of C/R.

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bitrex
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Hey everyone, I'm new to using the Maxima software and I'm having some trouble. When I enter the following formula to be evaluated:

diff(1-exp^(-t/R*C),t);

I get the following output:

[tex]\frac{log\left( exp\right) \,C}{{exp}^{\frac{t\,C}{R}}\,R}[/tex]

This doesn't look right, even if I simplify the numerator. Am I doing something wrong?
 
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No, it is correct.
At least if log(exp) really means ln(e^1)

I think you are confused by the fact that you've (presumably) forgotten to but parentheses around the RC factor, 1/R*C=C/R not 1/(R*C).
 
Yes, that's the problem. I swear parenthesis and order of operations are going to be the death of me; I once took a course in Lisp. I still have nightmares. From what I understand, Maxima is written in and programmed by using Lisp. :cry:
 

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