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Derivative of a constant (Euler's number)

Let f(x)=ef(x) = e, where ee is Euler's number (a constant, approximately 2.718282.71828), not the variable expression exe^x. Find f′(x)f'(x).

Hint

Recall that ee is just a fixed real number, not a function of xx. What does the constant rule say about the derivative of any constant?

Step-by-step solution

Since ee is Euler's number, it is a fixed real number (approximately 2.718282.71828) and does not depend on xx at all. The function f(x)=ef(x) = e is therefore a constant function, no different in kind from f(x)=5f(x) = 5 or f(x)=πf(x) = \pi.

By the constant rule, ddx[c]=0\frac{d}{dx}[c] = 0 for any constant cc. Applying this with c=ec = e gives f′(x)=0f'(x) = 0.

Derivative of a constant, general case

Hint
Step-by-step solution

Yes. Pi, like Euler's number, is a fixed real number that does not depend on x. Any constant function has a derivative of zero by the constant rule. So replacing e with pi changes nothing about the outcome; the derivative remains zero.

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