Step by step
The question
Question: find dy for y = x³ when x = 2 and dx = 0.1.
y = x3
1 The rule
dx is a small change in x.
dy is the change the tangent line gives: the slope times dx.
dy = f′(x) dx
dy = f′(x) dx
2 Find f′(x)
Use the power rule on each term.
f′(x) = 3x^(3 − 1)
Now we have f′(x) = 3x².
= 3x2
3 Put the numbers in
The slope at x = 2 is 12.
f′(2) = 3(2)2 = 12
So dy = 1.2.
dy = 12 × 0.1 = 1.2
Careful!
dy is the slope times dx.
Do not forget the times 0.1.
Careful: not dy = f′(2) = 12 ✗
4 Check
Let's check with the real change: f at 2.1, minus f at 2, is 1.261 on a calculator.
Close to 1.2.
Right!
Δy = f(2.1) − f(2) = 1.261
Let's look back.
First: the rule.
Then: find f′(x).
Then: put the numbers in.
Last: check.
Answer
Careful: not dy = f′(2) = 12 ✗