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8.04 Differentiation of y=x^n

Interactive practice questions

Consider the graph of $y=x$y=x below.

Loading Graph...

a

What is the gradient of the line at $x=4$x=4?

b

What is the gradient at any value of $x$x?

c

Which of the following is a true statement?

If $f\left(x\right)$f(x) is a linear function, the derivative $f'\left(x\right)$f(x) depends on the value of $x$x.

A

A linear function has a constant gradient.

B

The gradient of a linear function is always $1$1.

C
Easy
< 1min

Use the applet below to explore how the gradient of the tangent changes at different points along $y=x^2$y=x2. Then answer the questions that follow.

Medium
3min

Use the applet below to explore how the gradient of the tangent changes at different points along $y=x^3$y=x3. Then answer the questions that follow.

Medium
1min

Use the applet below to explore how the gradient of the tangent changes at different points along $y=x^4$y=x4. Then answer the questions that follow.

Medium
1min
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Outcomes

2.4.2.1

examine examples of variable rates of change of non-linear functions

2.4.2.2

establish the formula 𝑑/𝑑x (𝑥^𝑛)=𝑛𝑥^(𝑛−1) for positive integers

2.4.2.5

calculate derivatives of power and polynomial functions

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