The derivative of the function $$a^x$$, where $$a$$ is a constant greater than zero, represents the rate at which the function changes with respect to changes in $$x$$. This concept is crucial in understanding how exponential functions behave, especially in the context of growth and decay processes. The formula for the derivative can be expressed as $$\frac{d}{dx}(a^x) = a^x \ln(a)$$, linking it to both the exponential function and natural logarithm.
congrats on reading the definition of derivative of a^x. now let's actually learn it.