Finding the derivative of the function and the slope of the tangent

1. Dec 11, 2008

meeklobraca

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

Find the slope of the tangent to y=3x2 - 6x at x = 2 by first determining the derivative of the function from first principles

2. Relevant equations

f(x+h)-f(x) / h

3. The attempt at a solution

For the derivative I got -6x and the slope of the tangent is -12. Would this be correct?

Thanks!

2. Dec 11, 2008

You should check you're algebra in your equation... which should have a limit, of course.

3. Dec 11, 2008

cosmic_tears

you obviously know how to find the derivative using the known formula (and not definition), and you can easily calculate y' to see that y'=6x-6.
So that should be the answer you get. Try again, it's an easy limit.

4. Dec 12, 2008

meeklobraca

I got for the deriviative 6x - 6, with the slope being 6 at x = 2 ? Correct?

In my calculations I didnt get the -6 part of the deriviative cause i didnt account for the x with a zero exponent.

5. Dec 13, 2008

Staff: Mentor

As Dr. Lady points out, you should be doing this problem with a limit, and by your later question, I suspect that you are not doing it this way. That's what is meant by "first principles." If you're asked to find the derivative by first principles, and you don't use the definition of the limit, you are not likely to get full (or even partial) credit for your work.

6. Dec 15, 2008

meeklobraca

Okay I see your point. I used the definition of the limit in terms of finding the derivative. Which I used the lim = f(x+h) - f(x) / h formula.

And i fact using that formula I got -6x+6 for the derivative with the slope at x = 2 being -6. SO im a little confused at where I mixed the two up.

7. Dec 16, 2008

Staff: Mentor

For f'(x) you should not have gotten -6x + 6.

(f(x + h) - f(x))/h = [3(x + h)^2 -6(x + h) - (3x^2 - 6x)]/h
= [3x^2 + 6xh + 3h^2 -6x -6h -3x^2 + 6x]/h
[6xh + 3h^2 - 6h]/h

Now, factor h from each term in th numerator, and then take the limit as h approaches 0. That will give you f'(x).
After you have that, calculate f'(2).

8. Dec 16, 2008

meeklobraca

Yes thank you very much I see it now. My calculation error was in the -6 (x+h) area. Thanks!