Basic Calculus - differentiation for beginners IGCSE, AS, A-Level

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Calculus: differentiation - finding gradient of a curve

The process of finding the gradient or slope of a function is the differentiation.

We used to find the gradient of a straight line, just by dividing the change in 'y' by change in 'x', in a certain range of values. When it comes to a curve, however, it is not easy to find the gradient or slope as the very thing we want to measure, keeps changing from point to point.

In the above applet, a tangent is drawn to find the gradient at a given point on the curve. With differentiation, it is just two steps away.

E.g.

Let y = x2 

Gradient of the curve at any point = dy/dx = 2x


Gradient at x = 2, dy/dx = 2x2 = 4
Gradient at x = 0, dy/dx = 2x0 = 0
Gradient at x = -3, dy/dx = 2x-3 = -6

For a more detailed tutorial with lots of worked examples on the following, please use this link on the website connected to this blog.

  • Finding differential coefficient from the first principles
  • Finding the equations of a tangent and a normal to a curve
  • Increasing and decreasing functions
  • Turning / stationary points
  • Local maxima, minima and point of inflection
  • Modelling real life situations with differentiation
  • Plenty of worked examples and applets for interactive practice

Location: 9C6XW48C+26

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