July 23

[Scooter]

Originally Posted by Zeke

Anyway, e is as deeply embedded in calculus as pi is in geometry. y = C × e^x is the only function which is its own derivative. As such, it's the best base for logarithms (just as pi is the best basis for angle measurement), so logs to the base e are called natural. Common logs, i.e. to base 10, are strictly for engineers and the occasional number theorist.

Wow, that is the most lucid explanation of a mathematical concept I've seen in ages. Cool.

I bet if we'd been born with 2.7 fingers, then base 10 would never have even been invented. Except that base 10 would be base e, since our numbering system would have developed using an e-based place value...