I can't figure out what I've done wrong (differentiation)?

easy rider

New member
The question is to determine the gradient of the curve, y=3x(2x-3)², at point (2, 6).

The answer in the book is 27, and the answer from a graphic calculator is 27. I got -45 though, here's my working:

y=3x(2x-3)²

y=3x(2x²-12x+9)

f '(x)= 3x(4x-12) + 3(2x²-12x+9)

. . .= 12x² - 36x + 6x² - 36x + 27

. . . = 18x² - 72x + 27

therefore gradient = 18(2)² - 72(2) + 27

. . . . . . . . . . . . . = -45
aah thanks it was something obvious :)
 
Back
Top