Proof d/dx e^x=e^x using substitution

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around proving that the derivative of e^x is e^x, using the limit definition of e as the limit of (1 + 1/h)^h as h approaches infinity. Participants are exploring how to connect this limit definition to the derivative of the exponential function.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss various attempts to use the limit definition of e and the chain rule, with some suggesting to take the derivative of e^x in limit form. Others question the validity of using derivative rules and express confusion about handling limits within limits.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants sharing their thoughts on how to approach the proof. Some have provided hints and guidance regarding the substitution of variables and the manipulation of limits, while others are still seeking clarity on specific steps and concepts.

Contextual Notes

There is a focus on using mathematical reasoning with limits rather than applying derivative rules directly. Participants are also navigating the challenge of expressing certain quantities in terms of limits and ensuring their approaches align with the requirements set by the original poster.

Jkohn
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Homework Statement


Proof d/dx e^x=e^x, use e=limit (1+1/h)^h h->infinity

Show how that implies d/dx e^x=e^x

t

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


Ive tried using chain rule--wasnt accepted
Also, I did e=(1+h)^[1/h]-->e^h=1+h, then reduced to e^x, still didnt accept

How can I prove it using limit substitution? He told me to google finding limits by substitution then he said e^h-1=U
 
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So have you tried taking the derivative of ex in the limit form?

\frac{d}{dx}e^x=\frac{d}{dx}\lim_{h\to \infty}\left(1+\frac{1}{h}\right)^{hx}
 
Mentallic said:
So have you tried taking the derivative of ex in the limit form?

\frac{d}{dx}e^x=\frac{d}{dx}\lim_{h\to \infty}\left(1+\frac{1}{h}\right)^{hx}

Ive attempted, but its a limit inside a limit?
 
Jkohn said:
Ive attempted, but its a limit inside a limit?

Aren't you allowed to use the derivative rules? \frac{d}{dx}a^{cx}=c\ln(a)a^{cx}
 
Mentallic said:
Aren't you allowed to use the derivative rules? \frac{d}{dx}a^{cx}=c\ln(a)a^{cx}

Exactly what i did when he first said, its obvious, but he wants mathematical reasoning using limits..
 
(e^x)'=\lim_{\delta\to 0}\dfrac{e^{x+\delta}-e^{x}}{\delta}=e^{x}\lim_{\delta\to 0}\dfrac{e^{\delta}-1}{\delta}
Now you want to show
\lim_{\delta\to 0}\dfrac{e^{\delta}-1}{\delta}=1
And you are given that
\lim_{h\to \infty}\left(1+\frac{1}{h}\right)^{h}=e
That's very close. Don't forget the hint you are given: letting u=e^h-1.
 
Last edited:
Jkohn said:
Exactly what i did when he first said, its obvious, but he wants mathematical reasoning using limits..

Hmm... ok...

Can you clarify what he meant by e^h-1=U?

What about if we tried to just go back to the basics. So we'll use any positive number a,

\frac{d}{dx}a^x=\lim_{h\to 0}\frac{a^{x+h}-a^x}{h}

=\lim_{h\to 0}\frac{a^xa^h-a^x}{h}

=a^x\lim_{h\to 0}\frac{a^h-1}{h}

Now, we're interested in the case where the limit is equal to 1,

\lim_{h\to 0}\frac{a^h-1}{h}=1

\lim_{h\to 0}a^h-1=\lim_{h\to 0} h

\lim_{h\to 0}a^h =\lim_{h\to 0}1+h

Can you see where this is heading?

edit: klondike beat me to it.
 
Mentallic said:
Now, we're interested in the case where the limit is equal to 1,
\lim_{h\to 0}\frac{a^h-1}{h}=1
uh-oh, this doesn't sound right.
 
Mentallic said:
Hmm... ok...

Can you clarify what he meant by e^h-1=U?

What about if we tried to just go back to the basics. So we'll use any positive number a,

\frac{d}{dx}a^x=\lim_{h\to 0}\frac{a^{x+h}-a^x}{h}

=\lim_{h\to 0}\frac{a^xa^h-a^x}{h}

=a^x\lim_{h\to 0}\frac{a^h-1}{h}

Now, we're interested in the case where the limit is equal to 1,

\lim_{h\to 0}\frac{a^h-1}{h}=1

\lim_{h\to 0}a^h-1=\lim_{h\to 0} h

\lim_{h\to 0}a^h =\lim_{h\to 0}1+h

Can you see where this is heading?

edit: klondike beat me to it.

Put that in my "attempts" he says that e^h ≠ (1+h) because its a ≈ and not =, I even told him under a certain domain "its true" he won't accept lol..
 
  • #10
klondike said:
(e^x)'=\lim_{\delta\to 0}\dfrac{e^{x+\delta}-e^{x}}{\delta}=e^{x}\lim_{\delta\to 0}\dfrac{e^{\delta}-1}{\delta}
Now you want to show
\lim_{\delta\to 0}\dfrac{e^{\delta}-1}{\delta}=1
And you are given that
\lim_{h\to \infty}\left(1+\frac{1}{h}\right)^{h}=e
That's very close. Don't forget the hint you are given: letting u=e^h-1.

So what exactly should I be substituting??
 
  • #11
klondike said:
uh-oh, this doesn't sound right.

Actually, yeah, you're right. We should be starting off with the limit expression for e.
 
  • #12
let \frac{1}{h}=e^{\delta}-1 \quad;; h\to \infty \quad as \quad \delta \to 0 then write δ in terms of h, and plug them back in, and you are all set.

Jkohn said:
So what exactly should I be substituting??
 
Last edited:
  • #13
klondike said:
(e^x)'=\lim_{\delta\to 0}\dfrac{e^{x+\delta}-e^{x}}{\delta}=e^{x}\lim_{\delta\to 0}\dfrac{e^{\delta}-1}{\delta}
Now you want to show
\lim_{\delta\to 0}\dfrac{e^{\delta}-1}{\delta}=1
And you are given that
\lim_{h\to \infty}\left(1+\frac{1}{h}\right)^{h}=e
That's very close. Don't forget the hint you are given: letting u=e^h-1.

klondike said:
let \frac{1}{h}=e^{\delta}-1 \quad;; h\to \infty \quad as \quad \delta \to 0 then write δ in terms of h, and plug them back in, and you are all set.

Im a bit confused here. Where are you getting the (1/h)=e^δ−1 from?
 
  • #14
Because e^δ−1 goes zero as δ goes zero. You want some quantity goes zero as something goes zero or, more conveniently as something goes infinity as you are given a known limit as its independent variable goes infinity.

Hence, it's mostly conveniently to set the quantity to 1/h as h approach infinity. It satisfies both condition and closely resemble what you are given.
You can, of course first set y=e^δ−1 as well.
Jkohn said:
Im a bit confused here. Where are you getting the (1/h)=e^δ−1 from?
 
  • #15
how do I put δ in terms of h..where am I plugging it in??
EDIT: SORRY I realized h=1/(e^δ - 1)

do I insert that h into the e= limit (1+ 1/h)^h ??

thanks
 
  • #16
e^{\delta}-1=\frac{1}{h}
\delta=ln(1+\frac{1}{h})
And put these 2 into it. And recall that aln(x)=ln(x^a). I'm sure you will figure it out.
 
  • #17
mhm I am doing this:

lim e^δ−1/ δ =1

e^δ - 1= 1/h
δ=ln(1+ 1/h)

so I get: limit [(1/h)]/ [ln(1+(1/h))] h-->infinity

Im getting 1
 
  • #18
Now go back to check post #6. Isn't that what you're trying to prove?

Jkohn said:
mhm I am doing this:

lim e^δ−1/ δ =1

e^δ - 1= 1/h
δ=ln(1+ 1/h)

so I get: limit [(1/h)]/ [ln(1+(1/h))] h-->infinity

Im getting 1
 
  • #19
ohhhhhh so 1=e^x holy ****!
 
  • #20
well 1 implies it..wow so cool
 

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