Determine the first derivative of the following curve defined by parametric equations x = 20-5t and y = t^5.

First remember that a parametric curve z = (x(t), y(t)) can be differentiated using the following formula (derived using the chain rule): dz/dt = (dy/dt)/(dx/dt). We should now find dy/dt and dx/dt (which are immediate)dx/dt = -5; dy/dt = 5t^4and it follows (using the formula above) that the desired derivative is dz/dt = (5t^4)/(-5) = -t^4

FC
Answered by Federico C. Maths tutor

2437 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is the integral of x sin(x) dx?


Solve the following equation for k, giving your answers to 4 decimal places where necessary: 3tan(k)-1=sec^2(k)


A curve has equation y = 4x + 1/(x^2) find dy/dx.


f(x) = (sin(x))^3. What is f'(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