What is the derivative of x^3?

Understand the Problem

The question is asking for the derivative of the function x^3. The derivative is a fundamental concept in calculus that represents the rate of change of the function with respect to x.

Answer

3x^2
Answer for screen readers

The derivative of $x^3$ is $3x^2$

Steps to Solve

  1. Apply the power rule

To find the derivative of a function of the form $x^n$, use the power rule: $$\frac{d}{dx}[x^n] = nx^{n-1}$$

  1. Substitute the exponent

In this problem, the exponent $n$ is 3. Substitute $n = 3$ into the power rule equation: $$\frac{d}{dx}[x^3] = 3x^{3-1}$$

  1. Simplify the expression

Subtract 1 from the exponent: $$3x^{3-1} = 3x^2$$

The derivative of $x^3$ is $3x^2$

More Information

The derivative tells you how the function $x^3$ changes as x changes. For example, when x increases by a tiny amount, the rate at which $x^3$ increases is about 3 times the square of x.

Tips

A common mistake is forgetting to subtract 1 from the exponent when applying the power rule. Always remember the correct form of the rule: $\frac{d}{dx}[x^n] = nx^{n-1}$

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