Question

Determine the slope of the tangent line to the curve y=(x^2+3x)(x^2-2) at x=-1.

I got 3 as my answer although I am not too sure that it's correct. I found the derivative of the function and then substituted -1 into the equation.

Answer 1

that's the proper method.

Using the product rule,
y' = (2x+3)(x^2-2) + (x^2+3x)(2x)
at x=-1, that's (-2+3)(1-2)+(1-3)(-2) = 3

Answer 2

I do not have the same value as yours.
Can you post the derivative?

Answer 3

Oh, sorry, I had the two terms divided and not multiplied.

Answer 4

thanks!