Grade 12 · Math
Differentiate a power function practice
Use the power rule on a constant times a positive integer power.
Opening your practice adventure…
Try a sample
Differentiate f(x) = 8x5.
- 8x4
- 40x4
- 13x4
- 41x4
See the answer & why
40x4
The power rule gives d/dx(8x5) = 8 × 5 × x5 − 1 = 40x4.
A little hint: Multiply by the exponent, then reduce the exponent by one.
A teaching tip
Multiply the coefficient by the exponent, then subtract one from the exponent.