How do I simply differentiate and what does a differential mean?
To differentiate a simple expression such as x^3 + 2x you simply multiply the power of the x by the multiple in front of the x value and then take away one from the power. For example the expression would become 3x^2+2. The differential is the first derivative of a function and it can represent the gradient of the function. The differential can then be used to find maxima and minima of a function when the differential is equal to zero.
LW
Related Maths A Level answers
All answers ▸The point P lies on the curve C: y=f(x) where f(x)=x^3-2x^2+6x-12 and has x coordinate 1. Find the equation of the line normal to C which passes through P.
Given y = 2x(x^2 – 1)^5, show that dy/dx = g(x)(x^2 – 1)^4 where g(x) is a function to be determined.
Integral between 0 and pi/2 of cos(x)sin^2(x)
A curve C is defined by the equation sin3y + 3y*e^(-2x) + 2x^2 = 5, find dy/dx