Question

When using the power rule, the original coefficient:__________a) Is multiplied by the original exponent.b) Only changes if the function is in terms of x.c) Is ignored

Answer 1

a) Is multiplied by the original exponent.

Explanation:

the power rule works like this:

you want to find the derivative of ax ⁿ

where n is the exponent and a is the coefficient

the derivative would equal (n ⋅ a)xⁿ⁻¹

e.g. you want to find the derivatives of 5x⁴

f'(x) = (4 ⋅ 5)x⁴⁻¹ = 20x³

f''(x) = (3 ⋅ 20)x³⁻¹ = 60x²

f'''(x) = (2 ⋅ 60)x²⁻¹ = 120x

f''''(x) = (1 ⋅ 120)x¹⁻¹ = 120