Question

Find the derivative.

f(x) = 1/x^16

Do you use the quotient rule? I'm getting the wrong answer and I'm not sure how to go about doing this.

Answer 1

no no not the quotient rule if you have a number in the numerator

Answer 2

write as \(x^{-16}\) and use the power rule

Answer 3

xn^n-1

x^-16
n= -16

Answer 4

**nX^n-1

Answer 5

Arg, I guess I got it wrong still.
I didn't realize you had to take it further after the nX^n-1
The solution, for anyone interested:

d/dx(1/x^16)
= d/dx(x^-16)
= -16x^-16-1
= -16x^-17
=-16/x^17