dy/dx means you have to differentiate the equation provided: y = 4x1/2When we differentiate with respect to x we must multiply the power by the coefficient: 1/2 = power by 4 = coefficient which equals 4 * 1/2 = 2We also have to reduce the power by 1: therefore we do 1/2 - 1 = -1Therefore dy/dx = 2x-1/2 Multiplying the coefficient by the power and reducing the power by 1 is a universal rule when dealing with simple differentiation.