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

7128 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

Two particles, A and B, are moving directly towards each other on a straight line with speeds of 6 m/s and 8 m/s respectively. The mass of A is 3 kg, and the mass of B is 2 kg. They collide to form a single particle of speed "v" m/s. Find v.


Prove that the squared root of 2 is an irrational number


How do I work out the equation of a tangent line to a curve?


Differentiate with respect to x: y=xln(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