Math Problem Statement

Find the slope of the function's graph at the given point: f(x) = 2x^2 + 5x, (-3, 3).

Solution

To find the slope of the function's graph at the given point (3,3)(-3, 3) for the function f(x)=2x2+5xf(x) = 2x^2 + 5x, we need to calculate the derivative of f(x)f(x) and then evaluate it at x=3x = -3.

Step 1: Find the derivative

The derivative of f(x)=2x2+5xf(x) = 2x^2 + 5x with respect to xx is: f(x)=ddx(2x2+5x)f'(x) = \frac{d}{dx}(2x^2 + 5x) Using the power rule for differentiation: f(x)=4x+5f'(x) = 4x + 5

Step 2: Evaluate the derivative at x=3x = -3

Now, substitute x=3x = -3 into f(x)f'(x): f(3)=4(3)+5=12+5=7f'(-3) = 4(-3) + 5 = -12 + 5 = -7

Conclusion

The slope of the function at the point (3,3)(-3, 3) is 7\boxed{-7}.

Would you like further details or have any questions?

Here are 5 related questions for further exploration:

  1. What is the geometric interpretation of a negative slope?
  2. How would you find the equation of the tangent line at x=3x = -3?
  3. What is the second derivative of f(x)=2x2+5xf(x) = 2x^2 + 5x and what does it tell us?
  4. How does the slope of a quadratic function change as xx increases or decreases?
  5. What are the critical points of f(x)=2x2+5xf(x) = 2x^2 + 5x, and how do we find them?

Tip: When differentiating polynomial functions, the power rule ddxxn=nxn1\frac{d}{dx} x^n = nx^{n-1} is your go-to method for quick and accurate results.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Differentiation
Slope of a curve
Quadratic functions

Formulas

Power rule for differentiation
Derivative of a polynomial function

Theorems

Power Rule
Definition of a derivative

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12