Article

(an)x^n Equation

Wednesday, 12 November 2025

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This document was AI generated.

The equation axnax^n is the standard form used for differentiating terms in a polynomial.

The Power Rule

To differentiate axnax^n, you multiply the coefficient (aa) by the power (nn) and then subtract 1 from the power.

f(x)=axn    f(x)=anxn1f(x) = ax^n \implies f'(x) = anx^{n-1}

Examples

  • y=x3    dydx=3x2y = x^3 \implies \frac{dy}{dx} = 3x^2
  • y=5x4    dydx=20x3y = 5x^4 \implies \frac{dy}{dx} = 20x^3
  • y=10    dydx=0y = 10 \implies \frac{dy}{dx} = 0

Common Transformations

Before differentiating, terms must be in the axnax^n format.

Original Formaxnax^n FormDerivative
1x2\frac{1}{x^2}x2x^{-2}2x3-2x^{-3}
x\sqrt{x}x1/2x^{1/2}12x1/2\frac{1}{2}x^{-1/2}
4x\frac{4}{x}4x14x^{-1}4x2-4x^{-2}

Differentiation Table

TermDerivativeNote
xnx^nnxn1nx^{n-1}Standard Power Rule
axaxaaxx term becomes constant
aa00Constants disappear