Finding the derivative of a polynomial.
Take any polynomial, eg/ y=x3+1/2x2-3x+9. Then dy/dx=3x,+x-3, in this case. This is because, when deriving in this sense, you take each term in x, multiply it by its index, and reduce that index by 1.
In a general sense, for y=(n0)xn+(n1)xn-1+...+(nn-1)xn-(n-1)+(nn), dy/dx=(n)(n0)xn-1+(n-1)(n1)xn-2+...+(n-(n-1))(nn-1). Multiply the x term by the power, reduce the power by one. This works for all powers, even non-integers.
YP
Answered by Yaniv P. • Further Mathematics tutor
6426 Views
See similar Further Mathematics GCSE tutorsRelated Further Mathematics GCSE answers
All answers ▸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.
What is differentiation used for?
Let Curve C be f(x)=(1/3)(x^2)+8 and line L be y=3x+k where k is a positive constant. Given that L is tangent to C, find the value of k. (6 marks approx)
A curve has equation: y = x^3 - 3x^2 + 5. Show that the curve has a minimum point when x = 2.