What does dy/dx represent?
dy/dx represents the gradient of a curve. The d represents an infinitesimally small range so it is essentially as though you are doing change in y over change in x like you would for a y = mx +c graph but over a very small range. This is why if you work out dy/dx for a straight line you would get a number whereas for a curve you will get a function of x as the gradient of the line changes depending where on the curve you are.
MD
Related Maths A Level answers
All answers ▸The curve, C has equation y = 2x^2 +5x +k. The minimum value of C is -3/4. Find the value of k.
What is the angle between the position vectors a and b, where a = (6i - j + 3k) and b = (-4i + 2j + 10k)?
The curve C has equation y = x^3 - 2x^2 - x + 9, x > 0. The point P has coordinates (2, 7). Show that P lies on C.
If y = (1+3x)^2, what is dy/dx?