Finding the gradient of a chord

[einstein101]

Homework Statement

What is the gradient of the chord of the curve y = 2x^2 between the points x = 1 and x = 1+ h?

Homework Equations

differentiation by first principles

dy/dx = f(x+h) - f(x)/h

The Attempt at a Solution

use of the formula to receive 4x +2h

 

[Simon Bridge]

Cool! Erm... what was your question?
Shouldn't your solution be in terms of h alone?

 

[einstein101]

Why h alone, is it because i have to sub x for 1 ?

 

[Simon Bridge]

Sketch the graph and you'll see for yourself:

You are drawing a line through points (1,2) and (h,2h²) and finding the gradient of that line. Does the gradient of a line depend on x at all?