Find the equation of the tangent to the curve y = x2 -3x +5 at the point (1,3).

Find the equation of the tangent to the curve y = x2 -3x +5 at the point (1,3).The tangent is a straight line of the form y = mx+cTo find the gradient, m, we first differentiate the function:dy/dx = 2x -3Then we evaluate at the point (1,3). At this point x =1 , so dy/dx = 2(1) -3 = -1So m = -1, and therefore the tangent is of the form y = -x +cTo find c, we know that the point (1,3) must lie on the tangent and so we substitute these values for x and y into our equation:3 = -(1) +cRearranging gives c = 4Therefore the equation of the tangent is y = -x + 4

TD
Answered by Tilly D. Maths tutor

6971 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Solve the Simultaneous equations x^2 + y^2 =29, y-x=3.


Complete the square on this equation: 2x^2 + 20x + 15 = 0.


How would you prepare for your Maths exam?


The equation of line A is y = 6x -4. The equation of line B is 2y - 12x + 14 = 0. Are these two lines parallel?


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