2024 GESS PRELIMS P1 Q6

The gradient function of a curve \(y = f(x)\) is given by \(\frac{36}{(2x + 1)^2}\) for \(x > -\frac{1}{2}\).
The curve passes through the point \(\left(\frac{1}{2}, 2\right)\).

1. Find the equation of the curve.[3]
2. Find the angle, in degrees, that the tangent to the curve at \(x = 1\) makes with the \(x\)-axis.[2]