Find the gradient of the tangent to the curve with the equation y = (3x^4 - 18)/x at the point where x = 3

y = (3x- 18)/x

The gradient of a tangent to a curve is equal to dy/dx 

However, we must simplify this equation before we can differentiate it;

y = 3x3 - 18/x = 3x3 - 18x-1

dy/dx = 3(3x2) - (-1)(18x-2)

= 9x2 + 18x-2 = 9x2 + 18/x2

When x = 3,

dy/dx = 9(9) + 18/9 = 83

RO
Answered by Rachel O. Maths tutor

4291 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

A curve passes through the point (4, 8) and satisfies the differential equation dy/dx = 1/ (2x + rootx) , Use a step-by-step method with a step length of 0.3 to estimate the value of y at x = 4.6 . Give your answer to four decimal places.


x = 1 is a solution for the curve y = x^3-6x^2+11x-6, find the other solutions and sketch the curve, showing the location of any stationary points.


Solve the inequality 􏰂|2x + 1|􏰂 < 3|􏰂x − 2|􏰂.


How do you find the gradient of a line?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning