find the gradient to the curve at these points

find the gradient of the curve y=3x^4-2x²+5x-2 at the points (0,-2) and (1,4)

do i just differentiate once? its been years since ive done this, any help? cheers

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Originally Posted by bobmarly12345

find the gradient of the curve y=3x^4-2x²+5x-2 at the points (0,-2) and (1,4)

do i just differentiate once? its been years since ive done this, any help? cheers

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1. That's correct: Differentiate wrt x.

2. Plug in the x-coordinate of the point to get the gradient.

3. That's all!

But, again, why is this calculus problem posted under "Number Theory"?

The term "gradient" is normally used for a function of at least two variables. For the single-variable case, we use "slope".

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Originally Posted by hollywood

The term "gradient" is normally used for a function of at least two variables. For the single-variable case, we use "slope".

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That is the case in the United States. In Britain, "gradient" is typically used to mean what, in the United States, would be the "slope" or "derivative".

I wasn't aware of that. I'm actually surprised.

Thanks!!

- Hollywood