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

ZI
Answered by Zachary I. Maths tutor

7426 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

y(x) = x^2(1-x)e^-2x , find y'(x) in the form of g(x)e^-2x where g(x) is a cubic function to be found


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


Differentiate the function f(x) = 2x^3 + (cos(x))^2 + e^x


Differentiate (x^2)cos(3x) with respect to x


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