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

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on proving the derivative of the exponential function, specifically that d/dx e^x = e^x, using the limit definition of e. Participants explore the substitution e = limit (1 + 1/h)^h as h approaches infinity and the implications of this limit for differentiation. Key steps include expressing the derivative in terms of limits and confirming that lim (δ→0) (e^δ - 1)/δ = 1, which leads to the conclusion that the derivative of e^x is indeed e^x.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of limits and continuity in calculus
  • Familiarity with the definition of the exponential function e
  • Knowledge of differentiation rules, particularly for exponential functions
  • Ability to manipulate limits and apply substitution techniques
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the limit definition of the derivative in calculus
  • Learn about the properties of the exponential function and its derivatives
  • Explore the concept of limits involving infinity and their applications in calculus
  • Investigate the relationship between e and natural logarithms in calculus
USEFUL FOR

Students studying calculus, mathematics educators, and anyone interested in understanding the fundamental properties of exponential functions and their derivatives.

Jkohn
Messages
31
Reaction score
0

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
 
Physics news on Phys.org
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
 

Similar threads

Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
6
Views
1K
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
3K
Replies
6
Views
1K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K