Final answer:
The slope of the tangent to the curve y = 7 - 5x² - 2x³ at the point x = a is -10a - 6a².
Step-by-step explanation:
The slope of the tangent to the curve y = 7 - 5x² - 2x³ at the point x = a can be found by taking the derivative of the function and evaluating it at x = a. Let's find the derivative first:
y' = -10x - 6x²
Now, substitute x = a into the derivative:
m = -10a - 6a²
So, the slope of the tangent at the point x = a is -10a - 6a².