A curve has equation y = 7 - 2x^5. a) Find dy/dx. b) Find an equation for the tangent to the curve at the point where x=1.

a) The derivative dy/dx of the equation is: dy/dx = -10x4. If you don't remember this, revise Power Rule for derivatives.b) The equation of a line is given by y = mx + q. To find the tangent line at a point, we need: 1) Find the slope of the line by substituting that point in the equation of the derivative m = dy/dx (x=1) = -10. 2) Solve the system between the curve and the line at x=1 to find q. We find q=15. The equation of the line is therefore: y = -10x + 15

GC
Answered by Gianpiero C. Maths tutor

7331 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

For a curve of equation 2ye^-3x -x = 4, find dy/dx


how do you do binomial expansion when the power is a negative


The point on the circle x^2+y^2+6x+8y = 75 which is closest to the origin, is at what distance from the origin? (Taken from an MAT paper)


Find the coordinates of the point of intersection between the line L:(-i+j-5k)+v(i+j+2k) and the plane π: r.(i+2j+3k)=4.


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