Differentiation find the gradient of the curve Problem

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves finding the gradient of the curve defined by the equation y = x^3 - 12x + 17 at the point where the curve crosses the y-axis, referred to as point B. Participants are discussing the derivative of the function and how to evaluate it at point B.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the derivative of the function, with some attempting to find the x-coordinate of point B based on the information that the curve crosses the y-axis. Questions arise about the correct interpretation of the derivative and its evaluation at point B.

Discussion Status

There is ongoing exploration of how to find the x-coordinate for point B, with some participants suggesting that the value of the derivative should be evaluated at this point. Multiple interpretations of the problem are being discussed, particularly regarding the relationship between the function and its derivative.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the curve crosses the y-axis at point B, implying that at this point, y = 0. There is some confusion regarding the values and the equations being used to find the gradient.

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=[tex]\sqrt{}29/3[/tex]

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=[tex]\sqrt{}29/3[/tex]

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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