If f(x)=(4x^2)-(8x)+3, find the gradient of y=f(x) at the point (0.5,0)

When you see the question asking you to find the gradient at a point in the curve, the first thing you have to do is differentiate. This is because when we differentiate, we find the equation of the tangent to the curve at that point, which is the same as the gradient. So for this equation, we can differentiate by using the main differentiation rule which is when y=xn, dy/dx=nxn-1. Using this we will get: dy/dx= f'(x) =(4x2)x(2-1)-(8x1)x(1-1)+(3x0)x(0-1) = 8x-8We then substitute in the point (0.5,0) where x=0.5 to get: f'(0.5)=-4The gradient at the point (0.5,0) is equal to -4.

GK
Answered by Girthanaah K. Maths tutor

6754 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

How do I find the maximum/minimum of a curve?


Express 2 ln(3) + ln(11) as a single natural logarithm


How do I find the co-ordinates of a stationary point of a given line and determine whether it is a minimum or a maximum point?


A circle C with centre at the point (2, –1) passes through the point A at (4, –5).....


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:

© 2026 by IXL Learning