How to Find Derivatives

Tired of using all these silly rules to find the mathematical derivatives of formulas in calculus? There is a neat trick that you may not learn right away in math class. This trick will make finding derivatives in calculus very easy!

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Take your formula and make sure it's in a polynomial format. (ie. 3x^4 + x^2 - 2). This will make your life easier in the steps ahead.

2. Remove any number that doesn't have a variable (x,y, etc) next to it. So in the example above -2 goes away. You'll understand why once we get to the next steps.

3. Now bring the variable's exponent down and multiply it by the number next to that variable. In the example above (3x^4 + x^2) that would turn out to be (4)3x^4 + (2)x^2) or 12x^4 + 2x^2.

4. Now subtract 1 from all the exponents. So 12x^4 + 2x^2 is now 12x^3 + 2x.
   Presto! Your derivative!

Tips & Warnings

• As in everything in calculus there are exceptions, but for most formulas this is a great way to find the derivative!