Derivatives

Question

Find the derivative of the function: g(x)=x^4-8x^3-5x-6. I believe my answer of 5x is wrong, please help me solve this problem.

Answer 1

Use the power rule to find the derivative.  Also, the derivative of the sum is the sum of the derivatives.  In other words, take the derivative of each term using power rule.

 

g'(x) = 4x^4-1 - 3(8)x^3-1 - 5x^1-1 - 0(6)x^0-1

 

g'(x) = 4x³ - 24x² - 5

Answer 2

Hi Leslie!

 

The derivative, using the power rule, should be 4x^3 - 24x^2 - 5.

 

Remember, for each term, multiply the power by the coefficient and then drop the exponent by 1.  

 

Hope this helps.

:)

Jim