The equation of a curve is y = x^2 - 5x. Work out dy/dx

This is an example of differentiation. This can be useful in many concepts, one being finding the gradient of a line or curve at a certain point. To differentiate these types of equations, the rule is to multiply the front by the power and to take one from the power!y = x^2 - 5xWe will take each part separately. Starting with x^2. We multiply the front (which is 1) by the power (which is 2), therefore the constant at the front is now 2. We take one from the power, so 2 - 1 = 1. Therefore the derivative of x^2 is 2x.Next we take 5x. Multiply the front (5) by the power (1), and take 1 from the power (1 - 1 = 0). Therefore the derivative of 5x is 5.Now, we put it all together! dy/dy = 2x - 5!

VL
Answered by Venetia L. Further Mathematics tutor

9349 Views

See similar Further Mathematics GCSE tutors

Related Further Mathematics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

In a chess club there are x boys and y girls. If ten more boys join and one more girl joins, there is an equal amount of boys and girls. Knowing that y = 2x+2, Calculate x and y. [4 marks]


Lengths of two sides of the triangle and the angle between them are known. Find the length of the third side and the area of the triangle.


Can you explain rationalising surds?


f(x) = 2x^3+6x^2-18x+1. For which values of x is f(x) an increasing function?


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