How would you differentiate a function such as 4x^3

The general rule for differentiating functions such as 4x^3 is called the power rule.This formula goes by dy/dx of [x^n] = nx^(n-1)Now this may seem complicated but with examples hopefully it should become more clear!For instance, in the example you have used which is 4x^3. You would take 3 as the value of n (as that is the power) and input this into the formula. This would then produce 34x^(3-1) which simplifies to 12x^2.Another example would be to differentiate 6x^-2. The power can be any value so the formula works in the same way! There you take -2 as n which produces, -26x^(-2-1). This simplifies to -12x^-3 which is the answer!

AW
Answered by Adam W. Maths tutor

3610 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Simplify (4^2)*(2^3)*16


Do you have any tips for revising for my GCSE Maths Exam?


Kevser buys 5kg of sweets for £10. She separates the sweets so that there are 250g of sweets in each bag. She sells each bag for 65p. She sells all bags. What is her percentage profit?


How do you factorise x^2 -4 = 0?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning