Wize University Calculus 1 Textbook > Derivatives

Derivatives of Exponential Functions

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Derivatives of Exponential Functions

The Derivative of The Exponential Function

The derivative of the exponential function f(x)=exf(x)=e^{x} is:
(ex)=ex\boxed{\quad (e^x)'=e^{x}\quad }


Wize Tip
It is the only function whose derivative is itself!

The Derivative of General Exponential Functions

For a given b>0b>0, the derivative of the exponential function bxb^xis:
(bx)=bxlnb\boxed{\quad (b^{x})'=b^{x}\ln b\quad }

Note: Notice if we let b=eb=e we get the previous formula since lne=1\ln e = 1.

Wize Concept
The Product, Quotient, and Chain Rules still apply for Exponential Derivatives!

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Example: Exponential Derivatives


Find dydx\displaystyle\frac{dy}{dx} given y=2x2\displaystyle y=2^{x^{2}}.

y=2x2ln22x y'=2^{x^{2}}\ln2\cdot 2x
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Example: Exponential Derivatives


Given y=3exx\displaystyle y=\frac{3e^x}{\sqrt{x}} find y(x)y'(x).


y(x)=3exx12x12(3ex)x=3exx3ex2xx\displaystyle y'(x)=\frac{3e^x\sqrt{x}-\frac{1}{2}x^{-\frac{1}{2}}\left(3e^x\right)}{x} \\ \text{} \\=\frac{3e^x\sqrt{x}-\frac{3e^x}{2\sqrt{x}}}{x}





=6xex3ex2x32\displaystyle =\frac{6xe^x-3e^x}{2x^{\frac{3}{2}}}
Find the derivative of the following function

y=esinxy=e^{\sin\sqrt{x}}



Extra Practice