Question

f(x) = x-x^3
a = -0.2
slope =??

Answer 1

could you clarify the question?
what does a refer to?

Answer 2

tangents

Answer 3

Let f(x) = x-x^3. determine the approximate slope of the line tangent of f at (a, f (a)).

Answer 4

a = -0.2
slope=?

Answer 5

I think derivitives

Answer 6

ok thank you
the slope of f(x) can be determined by taking derivative
f'(x) =1 - 3x^2

now plug in x = -0.2
f'(-0.2) = 1 - 3(-.2)^2 = 0.88

Answer 7

so 0.88 would be the slope?

Answer 8

yes f'(x) is same thing as slope at point (x, f(x))

Answer 9

thank you

Answer 10

do you know how to take the derivative of polynomials?

Answer 11

d/dx x^n = n*x^(n-1)