Question

Find the gradient of the curve below at (-1,-3)

Answer 1

11

Explanation:

Note that
`(dy)/(dx)` is the measure of the gradient at x = a

Differentiate each term using the power rule

`(d)/(dx)` (a
`x^(n)` ) = na
`x^(n-1)`

Given

y = x³ - 4x² + 2 , then

`(dy)/(dx)` = 3x² - 8x

x = - 1 :
`(dy)/(dx)` = 3(- 1)² - 8(- 1) = 3 + 8 = 11