1. Let's clarify where the constant $a$ comes from when differentiating functions involving $x$. 2. Typically, $a$ is a constant coefficient in a function, for example, $f(x) = a x^n$, where $a$ is a constant and $n$ is a power. 3. When differentiating, constants like $a$ remain unchanged because the derivative of a constant times a function is the constant times the derivative of the function. 4. For example, if $f(x) = a x^3$, then the first derivative is $f'(x) = a \cdot \frac{d}{dx} x^3 = a \cdot 3x^2 = 3a x^2$. 5. So, $a$ comes from the original function as a constant multiplier of $x$ terms, and it stays through differentiation steps. 6. If you provide the original function, I can show exactly how $a$ appears in derivatives.