# Math Help - find the gradient to the curve at these points

1. ## 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

2. ## Re: find the gradient to the curve at these points

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
1. That's correct: Differentiate wrt x.

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

3. That's all!

3. ## Re: find the gradient to the curve at these points

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

4. ## Re: find the gradient to the curve at these points

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

5. ## Re: find the gradient to the curve at these points

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".
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".

6. ## Re: find the gradient to the curve at these points

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

Thanks!!

- Hollywood