Solve a+a+a+a=

$$a + a + a + a =$$

Evaluate

$$4a$$

Solution Steps

Combine a and a to get 2a.

$$2a+a+a$$

Combine 2a and a to get 3a.

$$3a+a$$

Combine 3a and a to get 4a.

$$4a$$

Differentiate w.r.t. a

$$4$$

Steps Using Definition of a Derivative

Combine a and a to get 2a.

$$\frac{\mathrm{d}}{\mathrm{d}a}(2a+a+a)$$

Combine 2a and a to get 3a.

$$\frac{\mathrm{d}}{\mathrm{d}a}(3a+a)$$

Combine 3a and a to get 4a.

$$\frac{\mathrm{d}}{\mathrm{d}a}(4a)$$

The derivative of ax^{n} is nax^{n-1}.

$$4a^{1-1}$$

Subtract 1 from 1.

$$4a^{0}$$

For any term t except 0, t^{0}=1.

$$4\times 1$$

For any term t, t\times 1=t and 1t=t.

$$4$$