Math Problem Statement

If c is a constant, which of the following formulas is not correct?

Solution

Let's analyze each of the options to determine which formula is not correct.

A. ddxcx=xcx1\frac{d}{dx} c x = x c^{x-1}

This is incorrect. The derivative of cxc x with respect to xx, where cc is a constant, should be 00 because the constant term does not depend on xx. The rule used here is incorrect.

B. ddxecx=cecx\frac{d}{dx} e^{cx} = c e^{cx}

This is correct. The derivative of an exponential function ecxe^{cx} with respect to xx is cecxc e^{cx}, following the chain rule.

C. ddxxc=cxc1\frac{d}{dx} x^c = c x^{c-1}

This is correct. This is a standard power rule derivative for constants: ddxxc=cxc1\frac{d}{dx} x^c = c x^{c-1}.

D. ddx(cln(x))=cx\frac{d}{dx} \left( c \cdot \ln(x) \right) = \frac{c}{x}

This is correct. The derivative of ln(x)\ln(x) is 1x\frac{1}{x}, so applying the constant multiple rule gives ddx(cln(x))=c1x=cx\frac{d}{dx} \left( c \cdot \ln(x) \right) = c \cdot \frac{1}{x} = \frac{c}{x}.

E. "None of the above. That is, all of the above are correct."

This is false because option A is incorrect.

Conclusion:

The incorrect formula is A.

Would you like further details on any of these steps?

Here are some related questions to expand on this topic:

  1. How do you apply the chain rule to more complex exponential functions?
  2. Why is the derivative of a constant term always zero?
  3. Can the power rule be used for negative and fractional exponents as well?
  4. How does the product rule apply if cc were a function rather than a constant?
  5. What are the conditions for using logarithmic differentiation in more advanced problems?

Tip: When differentiating functions with constants, always verify whether the constant affects the variable directly or indirectly to apply the correct differentiation rule.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Derivatives
Exponential functions
Power rule
Logarithmic differentiation

Formulas

d/dx (c x) = 0
d/dx e^(cx) = c e^(cx)
d/dx x^c = c x^(c-1)
d/dx (c * ln(x)) = c / x

Theorems

Power rule
Chain rule
Constant multiple rule

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12