Why is $e$ so special in calculus? For example: Why is the derivative of $\frac{d}{dx}e^x=e^x$ itself unlike other variables? I am just in high school (XII) so simple and detailed explanation may be preferred.
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4What answer do you expect to get from us that varies from information you can read about $e$ in the wikipedia article on the number? – JMoravitz Jul 17 '19 at 19:39
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2Related: https://math.stackexchange.com/questions/3319/why-is-the-number-e-so-important-in-mathematics – JMoravitz Jul 17 '19 at 19:40
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Or, https://www.amazon.com/Story-Number-Princeton-Science-Library/dp/0691168482 – DanLewis3264 Jul 17 '19 at 19:41
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I believe you can answer this by saying that e discovered and not chosen.
$e^{x}$ is the function that has itself as a derivative. This property makes it important.
No one just decided on $e$. They discovered the value that has itself to the $x$ as a derivative and named it $e$.
Burt
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3Let's be a little bit careful. The derivative of any constant is 0. – Chris Leary Jul 17 '19 at 19:46
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