What is the Meaning and Origin of the Mathematical Constant e?

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SUMMARY

The mathematical constant e, approximately equal to 2.71828, is derived from the limit of the sequence (1 + 1/n)^n as n approaches infinity. It plays a crucial role in various fields, particularly in the exponential function, which has the unique property that its derivative is proportional to the function itself. This characteristic makes e essential in economics, banking, and scientific applications, particularly in physics, where exponential growth and decay are frequently modeled.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of limits in calculus
  • Familiarity with exponential functions
  • Basic knowledge of derivatives
  • Application of mathematical constants in real-world scenarios
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore the derivation of the constant e through calculus
  • Study the applications of exponential functions in economics
  • Learn about the significance of e in physics, particularly in modeling growth and decay
  • Investigate the use of graphing calculators, such as the TI-89, for calculating e
USEFUL FOR

Students, mathematicians, economists, and scientists interested in understanding the significance and applications of the mathematical constant e in various fields.

Leonidas
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alright... so what is e? I'm doing all this fun stuff integrating and deriving things with e in them to find weird stuff... the homework isn't too bad...

but what the heck is e?

I know what number it stands for... but where do we get it from and what does it mean?
 
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The limit of the sequence:
(1+\frac{1}{n})^{n}

It is very useful and especially the exponential function built with it.The latter has the property that the rate of growth (i.e. the derivative) is always proportional to the function.Economics and banking are depending upon epxonential function.Science in general...

Physics is written with the exponential.


Daniel.
 
Last edited:
thanks...thats really cool, I left my ti-89 at school, but when i get it again, i'll plug that into it and see if it gives me e...

that is really cool...

one more question...


why did you say Daniel at the very end of your post?
 
:smile: Because that's my name?? :smile:

Daniel.

PS.It's like a letter.You have to sign.Besides,the username is different from the name itself.
 

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