Question

if a is a constant, what is the derivative of ax?

Explanation:

Step1: Apply the derivative rule

The derivative of \(ax\) with respect to \(x\) can be found using the power rule \(\frac{d}{dx}(cx^n)=cnx^{n - 1}\). Here \(c = a\) and \(n=1\).

Step2: Calculate the derivative

Substitute \(c = a\) and \(n = 1\) into the power - rule formula: \(\frac{d}{dx}(ax)=a\times1\times x^{1-1}\). Since \(x^{0}=1\), we get \(\frac{d}{dx}(ax)=a\).

Answer:

\(a\)