How to the derivative of this?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on understanding the derivative of the function f(x) = (x - 4)3 and evaluating it at x = 3. The derivative operator, denoted as d/dx, is clarified as a tool for differentiation, not a numerical value. A practical example is provided where the derivative of f(x) = x2 is calculated, demonstrating that f'(2) = 4. The conversation emphasizes the correct terminology, stating that one should "differentiate" rather than "derive" a function.

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zanaykurd
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1. How to take the derivative of this? i know how to derive this but i don't get what it means by when x=3
d/dx=((x-4)^3)) when x = 3


can you please work out a similar problem for me so i can follow the steps?


Thank you for your help, kind regards.
 
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The derivative of a function f(x) is the "slope" function. You plug in a value, call it a, into the derivative and this will tell you the slope of f(x). For instance:

f(x) = x2
f'(x) = 2x

Let's say I want to find the slope of f(x) at x = 2, so we look at f'(2), so f'(2) = 2*2 = 4.
 
thank you very much. i can do it now.
 
zanaykurd said:
1. How to take the derivative of this? i know how to derive this but i don't get what it means by when x=3
d/dx=((x-4)^3)) when x = 3
Your notation needs some work as well.
d/dx is the derivative operator. It's not a number. It makes about as much sense to write d/dx = (x - 4)3 as it does to write √ = 7. In this nonsense equation, a natural question would be, the square root of what equals 7.

In what you wrote, the question would be, the derivative of what equals (x - 4)3?

Also, in English we don't "derive" something when we take the derivative - we say that we "differentiate" a function to get its derivative. Must seem weird, but that's the common usage.
zanaykurd said:
can you please work out a similar problem for me so i can follow the steps?


Thank you for your help, kind regards.
 

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