i know a logarithm is the inverse of exponents… but i just cannot fathom how these are supposed to work in calculus, why we’re deriving them, what “e” means, why it’s important etc.
​
for reference currently taking calculus ab as well
In: Mathematics
e is a special constant like pi that has important properties in certain contexts.
What’s really special about e^x is that it is its own derivative. When you take the derivative of something like x^5 , you end up with 5x^4 . When you take the derivative of e^x you get e^x . It’s the function f(x) where f(x) = f'(x). That means that if you ever need to do calculus with exponentials, you will generally have an easier time if you express them as e^something .
Latest Answers