How to solve
The derivative gives a slope formula; plugging in x = a reads the slope at that point.
Steps
- Differentiate with the power rule.
- Substitute x = a into f'.
- Simplify carefully with signs.
Example
f(x) = x² − 3x. Find f'(2).
- f'(x) = 2x − 3.
- f'(2) = 4 − 3 = 1.
Answer: 1
Loading drills…