Calculus
Intermediate

Power Rule (Derivative)

Derivative of a power function.

Formula

ddxxn=nxn−1\frac{d}{dx}x^n = n x^{n-1}

Variables

nExponent
xVariable

Example

d/dx(x³) = 3x²

Did You Know?

The power rule is usually the very first derivative students learn — bring the exponent down, subtract one.

derivativepower rule