How do you differentiate 2 to the power x?

let y=2x                 {take natural logs of both sides}

ln y = ln(2x)          {use rules of logs to change right hand side}

lny = xln2              {differentiate implicitly}

1/y dy/dx = ln2    {make dy/dx the subject}

dy/ dx       = y ln2  {write y in terms of x)

dy/dx = 2x . ln2

Therefore derivative of 2 to the power of x is 2x . ln2

 

This can be generalised as the derivative of a to the power of x (where a is a constant, a>0)  is  ax lna

JR
Answered by Jack R. Maths tutor

156877 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

Differentiate the following with respect to x: e^(10x) + ln(6x+2)


Integrate 1/(1 - 3*x) with respect to x


Show that 2tan(th) / (1+tan^2(th)) = sin(2th), where th = theta


Find the coordinates of the sationary points on the curve x^2 -xy+y^2=12


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