Power Rule Explained for Basic Derivatives
The power rule is the basic derivative rule for expressions like a*x^n. Multiply the coefficient by the power, then reduce the power by 1.
Open Power Rule Derivative Calculator
The basic power rule says that the derivative of a*x^n is a*n*x^(n-1). In plain terms, multiply the coefficient by the power, then subtract 1 from the power.
Use the calculators: Try the Power Rule Derivative Calculator, or use the Scientific Calculator and Fraction Calculator for supporting math.
Coefficient and power
In a*x^n, the coefficient is a and the power is n. For 3x^2, the coefficient is 3 and the power is 2. The derivative is 3*2*x^(2-1), or 6x.
Simple examples
- 3x^2 becomes 6x.
- 5x^4 becomes 20x^3.
- 2x^1 becomes 2.
- 7x^0 becomes 0 because the expression is constant.
Limits of the current derivative tool
Calzivo currently supports single-term power-rule expressions of the form a*x^n only. It does not solve trig, logarithmic, exponential, implicit, or multi-term symbolic derivatives.
For a*x^n, multiply a by n and reduce the power by 1. The current derivative tool only supports that basic pattern.
Use the tool instead
Use the matching calculator when you want to plug in your own numbers and get a result faster.
Open Calculator