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 ▸

A 2.4 m long plank of mass 20kg has 2 pins, each 0.5 meters from each respective plank end. A person of mass 40kg stands on the plank 0.1m from one of the pins. Calculate the magnitude of reactions at the pins for this structure to be in equilibrium.


Write down the coordinates of the centre and the radius of the circle with equation x^2+y^2-4x-8y+11=0


Given y = 4x/(x^2 +5) find dy/dx, writing your answer as a single fraction in its simplest form


How can I find the area under the graph of y = f(x) between x = a and x = b?