JEE Main: Differentiation and How To Calculate ‘e’

JEE Main: Differentiation and How To Calculate ‘e’

Ramraj SainiUpdated on 19 Apr 2024, 07:49 PM IST

We all have come across the number ‘e’ while studying logarithm and calculus. This number is an irrational number like π, and is called Euler’s Number. Its value is 2.71828… and this sequence of digits never ends. So, how can we find this number and what is so special about this number?

JEE Main: Differentiation and How To Calculate ‘e’
Exponential-graph(Image:Wikimedia commons)

A property that you must have studied in differentiation that stands out among all differentiation formulae is

\frac{d}{dx}e^x=e^x

So, the differentiation of the function f(x) = ex, is this function itself. This makes this function unique. We will be using this property to calculate the number ‘e’. So, in all the calculations below, we will not use ‘e’ directly.

Let us start with the differentiation of a general exponential function, f(x) = 2x.

Using First Principle of Differentiation, we know that the differentiation of a function f(x) is

f'(x)=\lim_{h\rightarrow 0}\frac{f(x+h)-f(x)}{h}

So, differentiation of f(x) = 2x will be

\\f'(x)=\lim_{h\rightarrow 0}\frac{2^{x+h}-2^x}{h}\\\\f'(x)=\frac{2^x.2^h-2^x}{h}\\\\f'(x)=2^x\lim_{h\rightarrow 0}\frac{2^h-1}{h}.......equation(1)

Now, when the value of the limit h→0 [(2h-1)/h] is calculated by putting different values of h that are very close to 0, we can see that the value of this expression approaches 0.693147…(Note that we are not directly using the value of this limit as ln(2), as the number ‘e’ and thus ln(x), which is log with the base ‘e’, is not yet known).

Also Read,

Let us see what values of [(2h-1)/h] we get by putting different values of h that are close to 0. We can use a calculator to find these values

When h = 0.001, [(2h-1)/h] = 0.6933…

When h = 0.0001, [(2h-1)/h] = 0.6931…

When h = 0.00000001, [(2h-1)/h] = 0.6931…

We can see that [(2h-1)/h] value approaches 0.6931…and hence

limit h→0 [(2h-1)/h]= 0.6931…

From equation (i):

f'(x) = 2x.(0.6931…)

So, differentiation of f(x) = 2x is of the form

f'(x) =  Some constant. f(x)

Now if we do the same procedure with f(x) = 4x

\\f'(x)=\lim_{h\rightarrow 0}\frac{4^{x+h}-4^x}{h}\\\\f'(x)=\frac{4^x.4^h-4^x}{h}\\\\f'(x)=4^x\lim_{h\rightarrow 0}\frac{4^h-1}{h}.......equation(2)

When h = 0.001, [(4h-1)/h] = 1.3872…..

When h = 0.0001, [(4h-1)/h] = 1.38631…

When h = 0.00000001, [(4h-1)/h] = 1.38629…

So, limit h→0 [(4h-1)/h] = 1.38629…

And from (ii),

f'(x) =  4x . (1.38629…)

So, differentiation of f(x) = 4x is again of the form

f'(x) =  Some constant. f(x)

In fact, we can do the same exercise for any positive real number a, and we will find that the differentiation of f(x) = ax equals some constant times ax

It can also be seen that the value of this constant keeps on increasing as the value of ‘a’ increases. For example

For a = 2, the constant we calculated was 0.6931…

For a = 4, the constant we calculated was 1.38629…

Similarly, for a = 5, the constant can be calculated to be 1.6094…

For a = 6, the constant is 1.7917…

So naturally we can ask ourselves the question that can we find a number ‘a’ for which this constant value equals 1, and thus differentiation of ax is 1. ax, meaning that the differentiation of the function ax is this function itself ( = ax)

After doing multiple hits and trials, this number can be found to be 2.71828. That is why we have the unique property,

d/dx(ex)= ex

Euler’s Number also finds applications in fields of mathematics other than calculus. One of the most important applications is in Complex Numbers. You must have come across the relation eiπ = - 1. Imaginary powers of e help us get the values of many trigonometric series which would otherwise be very difficult to prove using only the trigonometric relations. The number is also used in Finance (to calculate compound interest), to explain population growth of humans or microbes, to explain radioactive decay (which in turn is used to tell the age of ancient objects), etc.

Due to numerous applications, ‘e’ is the second most famous mathematical constant after π. We also celebrate ‘e-day’ on 7 February. This date is chosen as it is written as 2/7 in month/date format and the digits 2,7 represent the first two digits used in the value of ‘e’ (2.71…).

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Questions related to JEE Main

On Question asked by student community

Have a question related to JEE Main ?

Hello,

Here are some important chapters for JEE Mains:

Mathematics:

  1. Calculus: Integral Calculus, Limits & Continuity, Differentiability, Application of Derivatives.
  2. Coordinate Geometry: 3D Geometry, Coordinate Geometry, Vector Algebra.
  3. Algebra: Complex Numbers and Quadratic Equations, Statistics and Probability, Permutations and Combinations, Sequence and Series.

Physics

  1. Mechanics: Laws of Motion, Work, Energy and Power, Rotational Motion, Kinematics.
  2. Thermodynamics & Waves: Thermodynamics, Oscillations and Waves
  3. Electricity & Magnetism: Electrostatics, Current Electricity, Magnetism
  4. Optics: Ray Optics, Wave Optics.

Chemistry

  1. Physical Chemistry: Chemical equilibrium, Chemical; Kinetics, Thermodynamics.
  2. I norganic Chemistry: P-block elements, Coordination Compounds, Periodic Table.
  3. Organic Chemistry: Hydrocarbons, Organic Chemistry - some basic principles and techniques, Aldehydes, Ketones and Carboxylic Acid.

These are the high-weightage chapters; by focusing on these chapters, you can improve your score.

you can also check this link for more details:

https://engineering.careers360.com/articles/most-important-chapters-of-jee-main

I hope this answer helps you!

Hello, Based on the current date, the application process for both sessions of the JEE Main 2025 has already been completed. The exams for 2025 were conducted earlier this year.

You are likely asking about the upcoming JEE Main 2026 examination.

Based on the schedule followed by the National Testing Agency (NTA) in previous years, here is the expected timeline for the JEE Main 2026 application forms:

For the First Session (January/February 2026):

  • The application forms are expected to be released in November or December 2025.

For the Second Session (April 2026):

  • The application window for the second session typically opens after the results of the first session are declared, which is usually in February or March 2026.

Hope it's helpful to you.

Hello,

Yes, you are right; you can upload your class 10th marksheet for the JEE Main 2026 registration, as DigiLocker documents are considered equivalent to original physical documents by law. You should download the digitally signed marksheet from your DigiLocker account to upload it to the JEE Main application form.

I hope it will clear your query!!

Hello,

As of the JEE Main January 2026 session, candidates can no longer choose their preferred exam cities. Instead, the National Testing Agency (NTA) will assign your exam center based on the address linked to your Aadhaar card.

I hope it will clear your query!!

Hello,

Generally, UPES( University of Petroleum and Energy Studies) might have different admission criteria depending on the specific program. Some may require specific JEE Main scores, while others might consider alternative criteria like their own entrance exams (UPES Engineering Aptitude Test), merit in 12th grade or any other factors. Therefore, even if you didn’t qualify for JEE Mains, you might still be eligible for  certain programs at UPES. It’s best to check official UPES site for accurate admission requirements.

I hope this answers helps you!