Why do you get e^x when you differentiate e^x

It all comes down to the how e is defined. e=1+(1/1!)+(1/2!)+(1/3!) all the way up to (1/infinity). e^x is equal to 1 + (x/1!)+((x^2)/2!)+((x^3/3!)) and again continues on to ((x^infinite)/factorial of infinity) now if you difference rewrite this function you get 1 + x/1 + (x^2)/(2x1) + (x^3)/(3x2x1)) and so on. If you were to differentiated that function the power would drop down by one but also would the factorial of the denominator because when cancelling out the highest multiplier in the factorial, it decreases the factorial by 1. This creates a chain reaction which goes on forever (as infinity is a power) and eventually shows that there is no change to the function (that function being e^x). You can do the same in reverse to prove it for integration too!

CE
Answered by Curtis E. Maths tutor

3590 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

A block of mass M lies stationary on a rough plane inclined at an angle x to the horizontal. Find a general expression relating the coeffecient of friction between the block and the plane and the angle x. At what angle does the box begin to slide?


What method should I use to differentiate equations with an x as the power of a number. E.g. 2^x


A cup of coffee is cooling down in a room following the equation x = 15 + 70e^(-t/40). Find the rate at which the temperature is decreasing when the coffee cools to 60°C.


A curve has the equation 2x^2 + xy - y^2 +18 = 0. (1) Find the coordinates of the points where the tangent to the curve is parallel to the x-axis.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning