Question

Compute f '(a) algebraically for the given value of a.
f(x) = x2 − 4; a = 6
f '(a) = ?

Answer 1

f ' (a) means you want the derivative of f at the point x = a which is at x = 6.

The derivative f ' (x) = 2x

so f ' (6) = 2(6) = 12