How do I differentiate?

Differentiation is a relatively easy process once you learn the basic method. The basic rule is, you multiply the coefficient of x by the exponent, which becomes the new coefficient, and then reduce the exponent by 1.

For example; differentiate 4x³

To get the new coefficient you times to old coefficient and exmponent together, in this case 4 x 3 = 12.

To get the new exponent, you reduce the old exponent by 1. So the new exponent is 3-1 = 2.

Therfore, the differntial of 4x³  is  12x².