A curve has equation y = 7 - 2x^5. a) Find dy/dx. b) Find an equation for the tangent to the curve at the point where x=1.

a) The derivative dy/dx of the equation is: dy/dx = -10x4. If you don't remember this, revise Power Rule for derivatives.b) The equation of a line is given by y = mx + q. To find the tangent line at a point, we need: 1) Find the slope of the line by substituting that point in the equation of the derivative m = dy/dx (x=1) = -10. 2) Solve the system between the curve and the line at x=1 to find q. We find q=15. The equation of the line is therefore: y = -10x + 15

GC
Answered by Gianpiero C. Maths tutor

7562 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

integrate xcosx


I don't understand why the function "f(x)=x^2 for all real values of x" has no inverse. Isn't sqrt(x) the inverse?


Find the derivative for y=5x^3-2x^2+7x-15


C4 June 2014 Q4: Water is flowing into a vase. When the depth of water is h cm, the volume of water V cm^3 is given by V=4πh(h+4). Water flows into the vase at a constant rate of 80π cm^3/s. Find the rate of change of the depth of water in cm/s, when h=6.


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