Find the normal to the curve y = x^2 at x = 5.

Differentiate the original equation (y = x^2) to find the gradient (m) of the line which is a tangent to the curve.

Dy/dx = 2x 

Therefore m = 2

Calculate the negative reciprocal (m2) which will give the gradient of the normal.

m2 = -0.5

Using the equation y=mx+c find the equation of the normal.

When x=5, y=25.

25=(-0.5)(5) + c

c=27.5

y=-0.5x+27.5

AS

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

Demonstrate that (2^n)-1 is not a perfect square for any n>2, n ∈ N.


Find the stationary points of the curve y=2*x^3-15*x^2+24*x+17. Determine whether these points are maximum or minimum.


What is the difference between quotient rule, product rule and chain rule, and when to use them in differentiation?


a) i) find dy/dx of y = 3x^4 - 8x^3 - 3 ii) then find d^2y/dx^2 b) verify that x=2 at a stationary point on the curve c c) is this point a minima or a maxima