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Differentiating Key Functions

The document discusses the differentiation of particular functions, focusing on exponential and logarithmic functions. It explains that the derivative of an exponential function f(x) = ax is cax, where c is a constant, and highlights that the derivative of the natural exponential function e^x is itself. Additionally, it states that the derivative of the natural logarithm function ln(x) is 1/x for x > 0.

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SINDAMBIWE Sylvere
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12 views4 pages

Differentiating Key Functions

The document discusses the differentiation of particular functions, focusing on exponential and logarithmic functions. It explains that the derivative of an exponential function f(x) = ax is cax, where c is a constant, and highlights that the derivative of the natural exponential function e^x is itself. Additionally, it states that the derivative of the natural logarithm function ln(x) is 1/x for x > 0.

Uploaded by

SINDAMBIWE Sylvere
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Mathematics for Data Analytics

Presessional Mathematics

Differentiating Particular Functions

Ainsley Miller
[email protected]

Differentiating Particular Functions Maths for DA/Presessional Ainsley Miller 1/4


Exponential Function

Consider the derivative of an exponential function f (x) = ax , where a


is a constant using the the definition involving limits that we discussed
earlier:

d x ax+h − ax ax (ah − 1) ah − 1
(a ) = lim = lim = ax lim = cax
dx h→0 h h→0 h h→0 h

ah − 1
where c = lim is a constant i.e. independent of x.
h→0 h

Note that c does depend on a.

The above is in for completeness.

Differentiating Particular Functions Maths for DA/Presessional Ainsley Miller 2/4


The Derivative of the Exponential Function

d x
(e ) = ex i.e. ex is its own derivative.
dx

d  kx 
e = kekx where k is a constant.
dx

Differentiating Particular Functions Maths for DA/Presessional Ainsley Miller 3/4


Derivative of the logarithmic function

Recall that the inverse of the exponential function, ex or exp x, is the


natural log function, ln x.

d 1
(ln x) = , where x > 0.
dx x

Differentiating Particular Functions Maths for DA/Presessional Ainsley Miller 4/4

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