What's the gradient of the curve y=x^3+2x^2 at the point where x=2?

Gradient is change in y divided change in x.As the change shrinks to effectively nothing (as we want to gradient at a point, not between points), we use dy/dx (the derivative of y with respect to x), to work out the gradient at any point.For each term, the coefficient of x is multiplied by the power, and the power is subtracted by one.dy/dx=3x^2+4xThis is a general equation for the gradient at any point.We then substitute in x=2 to work out the gradient at our desired point.Gradient = 3*(2^2) + 42 = 34 + 4*2 = 12 + 8 = 20

Answered by Zachary I. Maths tutor

6399 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

What are the stationary points of the curve (1/3)x^3 - 2x^2 + 3x + 2 and what is the nature of each stationary point.


How do you find the gradient of a curve?


A stone, of mass m , falls vertically downwards under gravity through still water. The initial speed of the stone is u . Find an expression for v at time t .


A curve has the equation y=7-2x^5, find dy/dx of this curve


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo
Cookie Preferences