Find the derivative of f(x)=1/4x. I know the answer but I dont understand how to get it.

Question

anonymous · Answer

1/4

lastdaywork · Answer

Are you looking for a derivation using limits?

zepdrix · Answer

The function is this:$$\Large\bf\sf \frac{1}{4x}$$yes?

anonymous · Answer

correct @zepdrix

anonymous · Answer

-1/x^2

anonymous · Answer

sry -1/4x^2

anonymous · Answer

the answer is $$-1/4x^2 $$ according to my teacher but I need to know how to get it.

zepdrix · Answer

So what you want to do is use a handy rule of exponents to get the x out of the denominator:$$\Large\bf\sf \frac{1}{4x^1}\quad=\quad \frac{x^{-1}}{4}\quad=\quad \frac{1}{4}x^{-1}$$

zepdrix · Answer

You can apply the power rule from there.

anonymous · Answer

the rule is

anonymous · Answer

nx^(n-1)

anonymous · Answer

your n in this case is negative one cuz when u bring the exponent on the x up to the numerator it becomes negative

anonymous · Answer

thank you all soo much! i understand now. I just got confused in the beginning steps

anonymous · Answer

then it would be -1 times (1/4) times x^(-1-1) = (-1)/(4x^2)