Differentiate with a formula answer
Get the derivative as an expression in x, not just a number at one point.
A computer algebra calculator can apply the rules of differentiation for you and show the result as a formula, such as 3x² − 2.
You can also give a point (x = 2) to get a single number out of the same command.
Classic CAS
Start on the main screen: Press home to open the Home menu (Calculator, Graphs, Settings, and more). Choose Calculator, or press esc to go back to the calculation page.
Type d( for derivative, then the function x³ − 2x. Move out of the exponent with the right arrow where needed.
d(x^3▶−2xAdd a comma and the variable x, close the bracket and press enter.
,x)enter
You should seed(x^3−2x,x) 3·x^2-2
Classic CAS · At a point
Start on the main screen: Press home to open the Home menu (Calculator, Graphs, Settings, and more). Choose Calculator, or press esc to go back to the calculation page.
Write x = 2 instead of just x to evaluate the slope at that point.
d(x^3▶−2x,x=2)enter
You should seed(x^3−2x,x=2) 10
RPN Power 48
Start on the main screen: Press ON to cancel what you are typing, then use the stack view. Open the MODE or VAR menu any time; the stack is always shown above the menu row.
Press the apostrophe key to open an algebraic entry, type X^3 + 2*X and press ENTER.
'αX÷yˣ3+2×αX÷ENTERPut the variable on the stack as well: apostrophe, X, ENTER.
'αX÷ENTERPress the right shift then the ∂ key (it shares the EVAL key). The derivative replaces both.
▶∂EVAL
You should see'3*X^2+2'
Tips
- In the Classic CAS, typed text like x^3 keeps you inside the exponent until you press the right arrow.
Related guides
- Find the slope of a function at a pointGet the derivative of a function at one x value as a decimal, using the built-in derivative function.
- Integrate with a formula answerFind an antiderivative as an expression, or a definite integral as an exact value.
- Find the equation of a tangent lineUse the derivative to get the slope at a point, then build the line y = m(x − a) + f(a).