Solving e^x Differential and Integral Equations

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the differentiation and integration of the exponential function e^x. Participants are exploring the definitions and properties of derivatives, particularly focusing on the application of the chain rule and the nature of exponential functions.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are questioning the application of the chain rule and the correctness of derivative expressions. There is a discussion on the definition of the derivative of exponential functions and the implications of using limits in this context.

Discussion Status

Multiple interpretations of the differentiation process are being explored, with some participants providing alternative methods for understanding the derivative of e^x. There is ongoing clarification regarding the roles of variables and constants in differentiation.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express confusion over mathematical notation and the application of differentiation rules, indicating a need for clearer communication of concepts. The discussion also highlights the distinction between variable and constant treatment in calculus.

madmike159
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What if the proof for differentiating and integrating e^x.

For d/dx (e^x) i used the chin rule and did
u = x
y = e^u
dy/du = ue^u-1
du/dx = 1
dy/du*du/dx = ue^u-1
so you get xe^x-1 but that's not right. I don't even know where to start with intergration.

Can anyone show me? Thanks:biggrin:

(also where are all the symbols have gone? I Don't know how to put them in anymore.)

*edit* Sorry I didn't realize this wasn't home work help section. Can a moderator move it there please.
 
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Why do you have dy/du=ue^(u-1)?
 
well, there are different ways as how the derivative of e^x is defined. We usually start by the def. of the derivative.

let [tex]f(x)=a^x[/tex], be any exponential function, so

[tex](a^x)'=\lim_{h\rightarrow 0}\frac{a^{x+h}-a^x}{h}=\lim_{h\rightarrow 0}\frac{a^x(a^h-1)}{h}=a^x\lim_{h\rightarrow 0}\frac{a^h-1}{h}[/tex]

Now, notice that [tex]\lim_{h\rightarrow 0}\frac{a^h-1}{h}=f'(0)[/tex] , right? In other words, this is the derivative of the exponential function at the point x=0.

SO, it looks like the derivative of any exponential function at any point, say c, [tex]f(x)=a^x[/tex] is simply a constant multiple of its value at that particular point. IN other words, the derivative of any exponential function, and the value of the function at a certian point x are proportional.

Now, it is convinient for us to find an exponential function such that the derivative of that function at x=0 is 1. f'(0)=1.

[tex]\lim_{h\rightarrow 0}\frac{a^h-1}{h}[/tex] let [tex]a^h-1=t=>a^h=t+1[/tex] also

[tex]h=log_a=log_a(t+1)[/tex] notice that when h-->0, t-->0, so;

[tex]\lim_{h\rightarrow 0}\frac{a^h-1}{h}=\lim_{t\rightarrow 0}\frac{t}{log_a(t+1)}=\lim_{t\rightarrow 0}\frac{1}{log_a(t+1)^{\frac{1}{t}}}=\frac{1}{log_ae}=lna[/tex]


Now as we can see, in order for f'(0)=1, a=e, so [tex](e^x)'=e^x[/tex]
 
gabbagabbahey said:
Why do you have dy/du=ue^(u-1)?

because u is a value. the power is decreased by one.

Thanks for the help.
 
madmike159 said:
because u is a value. the power is decreased by one.

[tex]\frac{d}{du} u^e =eu^{e-1}[/tex]

Not

[tex]\frac{d}{du} e^u=ue^{u-1}[/tex]

To find the derivative of e^x, you will need to use the definition of derivative in terms of limits.
 
madmike159 said:
because u is a value. the power is decreased by one.

The power rule of differentiating does not apply here, since your power here is not a number, but rather a function/variable.
Like i said in my above post. In my previous post, i explained how why the derivative of exp. functions is what it is.

other ways of doing it, which come indirectly from the def. of derivatives, is

let [tex]f(x)=a^x[/tex] then let [tex]a^x=y=>lny=xlna[/tex] now let's differentiate implicitly:

[tex]\frac{y'}{y}=lna=>y'=ylna=>y'=(a^x)'=a^xlna[/tex] in your case you have [tex]f(x)=e^x[/tex] so all you need to do is replace a by e. and youll get what u need.!
 
I have absolutely no idea what you mean by "u is a value"! Every symbol or expression in mathematics is a value! The question is whether or not u is a variable or a constant. Since you let u= x and x is a variable, so is x.

The derivative of xa, where a is a constant, with respect to x, is a xa-1 but the derivative of ax is ln(a) ax and in the special case that a= 2, ln(e)= 1, that becomes d(ex)/dx= ex.
 
Well my working was wrong. I just made u = x (like in the chain rule, e^2x-1 u = 2x-1) and I took 1 off it because when you differentiate the power decreases by 1.
 

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