For the function f(x) = 2x^3 - 9x^2 + 12x - 5, what is the slope of the tangent line at x = 1?
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Correct answer
A. 0
Principle or equation
The slope of the tangent line to f at x = a is f'(a). Use power rule for differentiation.
Why this answer is correct
f'(x) = 6x^2 - 18x + 12. Evaluate at x = 1: f'(1) = 6(1)^2 - 18(1) + 12 = 6 - 18 + 12 = 0.
Example
For f(x) = x^2, f'(x) = 2x, so slope at x = 3 is 6.
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