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Last updated on October 11, 2025
The derivative of a constant is zero. Here, we discuss why the derivative of \(e^4\), a constant, is zero. Understanding derivatives helps us calculate rates of change in various contexts. We will now explore the derivative of \(e^4\) in detail.
We now understand that the derivative of a constant, such as \(e^4\), is zero. This is commonly represented as \(\frac{d}{dx}(e^4)\) or \((e^4)'\), and its value is 0.
The key concepts are mentioned below:
Constant Function: A function that does not change and has a derivative of zero.
Derivative Definition: The process of finding the rate of change of a function.
Zero Derivative: The derivative of any constant is zero, indicating no change.
The derivative of \(e^4\) is denoted as \(\frac{d}{dx}(e^4)\) or \((e^4)'\).
The formula we use is: \[ \frac{d}{dx}(e^4) = 0 \]
The formula applies to any constant value.
We can prove the derivative of \(e^4\) using basic differentiation rules. A constant function does not change as x changes, so its rate of change is zero. Consider \(f(x) = e^4\), which is a constant function.
By First Principle: The derivative can be expressed as the limit of the difference quotient: \[ f'(x) = \lim_{h \to 0} \frac{f(x+h) - f(x)}{h} \] Since \(f(x) = e^4\), we have: \[ f'(x) = \lim_{h \to 0} \frac{e^4 - e^4}{h} = \lim_{h \to 0} \frac{0}{h} = 0 \] Thus, the derivative of \(e^4\) is 0.
When a function is differentiated several times, the derivatives obtained are referred to as higher-order derivatives. For the constant \(e^4\), every higher-order derivative remains 0.
The first derivative, \(f'(x)\), is 0, indicating no change in the function. The second derivative, \(f''(x)\), and any nth derivative of a constant function will also be 0.
Regardless of the value of x, the derivative of \(e^4\) remains 0.
As \(e^4\) is a constant, there are no special cases where the derivative would change.
Students frequently make mistakes when differentiating constants. These mistakes can be resolved by understanding the proper concepts. Here are a few common mistakes and ways to solve them:
Calculate the derivative of the function \(f(x) = e^4 + x^2\).
Here, \(f(x) = e^4 + x^2\). Differentiate each term: \(\frac{d}{dx}(e^4) = 0\) (since it is constant) and \(\frac{d}{dx}(x^2) = 2x\). Thus, \(f'(x) = 0 + 2x = 2x\).
We find the derivative of the given function by differentiating each term separately.
The constant \(e^4\) has a derivative of zero, and the derivative of \(x^2\) is \(2x\).
A company’s profit is modeled by the function \(P(x) = e^4 + 3x\). Calculate the rate of change of profit when \(x = 5\).
The derivative \(P'(x) = \frac{d}{dx}(e^4 + 3x)\). \(\frac{d}{dx}(e^4) = 0\), \(\frac{d}{dx}(3x) = 3\). Therefore, \(P'(x) = 0 + 3 = 3\). Thus, the rate of change of profit when \(x = 5\) is 3.
We find the rate of change by differentiating the profit function.
The constant \(e^4\) does not affect the rate, and the linear term \(3x\) has a constant rate of change of 3.
Derive the second derivative of the function \(f(x) = e^4 - 4x\).
First derivative: \(f'(x) = \frac{d}{dx}(e^4 - 4x) = 0 - 4 = -4\). Second derivative: \(f''(x) = \frac{d}{dx}(-4) = 0\). Therefore, the second derivative of the function is 0.
We start by finding the first derivative. Since \(e^4\) is constant, its derivative is zero, and the derivative of \(-4x\) is \(-4\).
The second derivative of a constant \(-4\) is zero.
Prove: \(\frac{d}{dx}(7e^4) = 0\).
Consider \(y = 7e^4\). The derivative \(\frac{d}{dx}(7e^4) = 7 \cdot \frac{d}{dx}(e^4)\). Since \(\frac{d}{dx}(e^4) = 0\), we have: \(\frac{d}{dx}(7e^4) = 7 \cdot 0 = 0\). Hence proved.
We use the constant multiple rule to differentiate \(7e^4\).
The derivative of \(e^4\) is zero, so any constant multiple of it also has a derivative of zero.
Solve: \(\frac{d}{dx}(e^4x)\).
To differentiate the function, use the product rule: \(\frac{d}{dx}(e^4x) = e^4 \cdot \frac{d}{dx}(x) + x \cdot \frac{d}{dx}(e^4)\). \(\frac{d}{dx}(x) = 1\) and \(\frac{d}{dx}(e^4) = 0\). Therefore, \(\frac{d}{dx}(e^4x) = e^4 \cdot 1 + x \cdot 0 = e^4\).
We apply the product rule to differentiate \(e^4x\).
The derivative of \(x\) is 1, and the derivative of the constant \(e^4\) is 0, resulting in \(e^4\).
Jaskaran Singh Saluja is a math wizard with nearly three years of experience as a math teacher. His expertise is in algebra, so he can make algebra classes interesting by turning tricky equations into simple puzzles.
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