Polynomial Derivative

d/dx(aₙxⁿ + … + a₁x + a₀) = naₙxⁿ⁻¹ + … + a₁. Power rule.

Inputs

Result

f'(x)
3x² − 6x + 5
f(2) = 13.0000; f'(2) = 5.0000.
  • f(x)1x³ − 3x² + 5x + 7
  • f'(x)3x² − 6x + 5
  • f(2)13.000000
  • f'(2)5.000000
  • Slope at x5.000000

Step-by-step

  1. Apply power rule: d/dx(xⁿ) = n·xⁿ⁻¹.
  2. f'(x) = 3x² − 6x + 5.
  3. Evaluate: f'(2) = 5.0000.

How to use this calculator

  • Enter polynomial coefficients.
  • Optional: evaluate at x.

About this calculator

Power rule: d/dx(xⁿ) = n·xⁿ⁻¹. Constant rule: d/dx(c) = 0. Sum rule: derivative of sum = sum of derivatives. Polynomial differentiation is mechanical: drop the exponent into the coefficient, decrement exponent. Used for finding slopes (tangent lines), velocity from position, optimization (set f' = 0). Source: Wolfram MathWorld - Polynomial Derivative.

Frequently asked

d/dx(xⁿ) = n·xⁿ⁻¹. Foundation of polynomial differentiation.

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