How to find instantaneous rate of change for f(x)=e^{x} at x=1?

1 Answer
Nov 23, 2016

The instantaneous rate of change is also known as the derivative. It is analogous to the slope of the tangent line at a point, as well.

We might say that the instantaneous rate of change of f at x=a is equal to f'(a).

Here, we have to know that the derivative of e^x is itself—it's a unique and very important function, especially in calculus. That is:

f(x)=e^x" "=>" "f'(x)=e^x

So, the instantaneous rate of change of f at x=1 is f'(1), and we see that:

f'(x)=e^x" "=>" "f'(1)=e^1=e

The instantaneous rate of change of f at x=1 is e, which is a transcendental number approximately equal to 2.7182818.