Constant Multiple Rule

Definition

The constant multiple rule states that when taking the derivative of a function multiplied by a constant term (a number), you can simply multiply that constant term by the derivative of the original function.

Analogy

Imagine baking cookies and following a recipe. If you want to make twice as many cookies as stated in the recipe, you can simply double all the ingredients. Similarly, when taking the derivative of a function multiplied by a constant, you can just multiply that constant by the derivative of the original function.

Related terms

Chain Rule: The chain rule helps us find derivatives when we have compositions of functions.

Quotient Rule: The quotient rule allows us to find derivatives for functions involving division.

Sum/Difference Rule: The sum/difference rule allows us to find derivatives for sums or differences of two functions.