Source: Extra Practice
What is the derivative of f(x) = 1/x^2?
Options
Option A is correct
-2 / x^3
Option B
2 / x^3
Option C
-1 / x
Option D
-2 / x
Explanation
f(x) = x^(-2). Applying the power rule: d/dx(x^-2) = -2 * x^(-2-1) = -2 * x^(-3) = -2 / x^3. Option B is missing the negative sign required by the power rule. Option C and D represent incorrect power subtractions.