Differentiation find the gradient of the curve Problem

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To find the gradient of the curve at point B on the graph of y=x^3-12x+17, it is essential to first identify the coordinates of point B, which is where the curve crosses the y-axis, giving the coordinates (0, 17). The derivative of the function, dy/dx, is calculated as 3x^2 - 12. To determine the gradient at point B, the derivative must be evaluated at x=0, leading to a gradient of -12. The discussion emphasizes the importance of correctly identifying the coordinates and using the derivative to find the gradient at the specified point. Understanding these steps is crucial for solving similar differentiation problems effectively.
tigerd12
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The problem

The Diagram shows the graph of y=x^3-12x+17
A is the maximum point on the curve
C is the minimum point on the curve
The curve crosses the y-axis at B

For the equation find dy/dx, y=x^3-12x+17 (DONE)

Heres the problem

find the gradient of the curve at B

now what am I supposed to do here?

this is what i tried but I am not sure if its right

3x^2-12=17

make x the subject therefore giving

x=\sqrt{}29/3

so is that right or..?
 
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For b) you need to find the value of the derivative at the point B. What are the coordinates of the point B ?
 
im guessing the coordinates at point B are (0,17), but how does that help me in finding the gradient at that point
 
tigerd12 said:
The problem

The Diagram shows the graph of y=x^3-12x+17
A is the maximum point on the curve
C is the minimum point on the curve
The curve crosses the y-axis at B




For the equation find dy/dx, y=x^3-12x+17 (DONE)

Heres the problem

find the gradient of the curve at B

now what am I supposed to do here?

this is what i tried but I am not sure if its right

3x^2-12=17
I presume you found that the derivative is 3x^2- 12. By why are you asserting that the derivative is 17? You are supposed to be finding the value of the derivative!

make x the subject therefore giving

x=\sqrt{}29/3

so is that right or..?

No, it's not right- you weren't even asked for a value of x!

You know that f'(x)= 3x^2- 12. You are asked to find its value at point B. Of course, to do that you need to know what x is there. Saying the graph crosses the x-axis tells you that y= 0. Okay y= x^3- 12x+ 17= 0. Can you determine what x is from that?

 
HallsofIvy said:
You know that f'(x)= 3x^2- 12. You are asked to find its value at point B. Of course, to do that you need to know what x is there. Saying the graph crosses the x-axis tells you that y= 0. Okay y= x^3- 12x+ 17= 0. Can you determine what x is from that?

Sorry, I don't seem to be understand what you are saying. Do you want me to find the solutions of the equation x^3-12x+17?
 
Remember. The curve crosses y-axis at point B. So you know the y = 0 but you have to find the x-value for the point B:

In other words. B = (x,0)

Also, you know that f'(x) = 3x^2-12

Let f'(x) = 0 and then find a value for x. Then you have got point B! :)
 
tigerd12 said:
Sorry, I don't seem to be understand what you are saying. Do you want me to find the solutions of the equation x^3-12x+17?
Yes, that's exactly what I said! Then find the derivative at that value of x.

danni7070 said:
Remember. The curve crosses y-axis at point B. So you know the y = 0 but you have to find the x-value for the point B:

In other words. B = (x,0)

Also, you know that f'(x) = 3x^2-12

Let f'(x) = 0 and then find a value for x. Then you have got point B! :)
?? No, the curve is y= f(x), not y= f'(x).
 

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