What is the gradient of the quadratic function y=3x²?

The gradient of a function with variable x is found by applying the differential operator to it. The differential operator is commonly written as d/dx. Hence the differential operator applied to the function y is written to be dy/dx. The differential operator, in the generic polynomial case takes the function that it’s ‘operating’ on and takes a power of a polynomial inside the function, multiplies the entire function by the value of the power, then the polynomials power is decreased by one. I.e. If y=xn, for n being a real value. Then dy/dx=nxn-1. For the equation given, If y=3x2 then by the differential operator, dy/dx=(3)(2)x2-1=6x = gradient of y for all x being a real value.

MC
Answered by Matthew C. Maths tutor

9392 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

Find the first derivative of y=2^x


Differentiate y=x^4sinx


Find the equation of the normal to the curve x^3 + 2(x^2)y = y^3 + 15 at the point (2, 1)


Express 8/((root3) -1)) in the form a(root3) +b, where a and b are integers.


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