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

162903 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

Differentiate "sin(2x)"


Find dy/dx for f(x)=3x^2 +5x


(4-2x)/(2x+1)(x+1)(x+3) = A/(2x+1)+B/(x+1)+C(x+3) Find the values of the constants A, B and C


Differentiate y= (3x^2+2x-6)^8


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