JohhnyJOhhny
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This was a question my homework and I am stumped.
Explain what we finding when we take the derivative of a function.
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lev888
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Please post the exact question.
Steven G
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Was this really a question in an Algebra course??
If you are in Calculus it is not good that you do not know what a derivative is. Being able to compute the derivative of a function is good but you need to know when you need to compute the derivative and that requires you to know what a derivative is.
Suppose you have the function f(x) = x2. Please draw that function so you can follow along. The derivative of f(x) = x2 is denoted by f'(x) and f'(x) = 2x
Go to the point (1, 1) on f(x) and draw the tangent line at this point. The slope of this tangent line is f'(1) = 2(1) = 2.
Go to the point (3, 9) on f(x) and draw the tangent line at this point. The slope of this tangent line is f'(1) = 2(3) = 6.
Go to the point (-2, 4) on f(x) and draw the tangent line at this point. The slope of this tangent line is f'(1) = 2(-2) = -4.
Go to the point (-4, 16) on f(x) and draw the tangent line at this point. The slope of this tangent line is f'(-4) = 2(-4) = -8.
What do you find when you take the derivative of a function? The derivative f'(x) is a function that gives you the slope of the tangent line of f(x) at any point.
If you are in Calculus it is not good that you do not know what a derivative is. Being able to compute the derivative of a function is good but you need to know when you need to compute the derivative and that requires you to know what a derivative is.
Suppose you have the function f(x) = x2. Please draw that function so you can follow along. The derivative of f(x) = x2 is denoted by f'(x) and f'(x) = 2x
Go to the point (1, 1) on f(x) and draw the tangent line at this point. The slope of this tangent line is f'(1) = 2(1) = 2.
Go to the point (3, 9) on f(x) and draw the tangent line at this point. The slope of this tangent line is f'(1) = 2(3) = 6.
Go to the point (-2, 4) on f(x) and draw the tangent line at this point. The slope of this tangent line is f'(1) = 2(-2) = -4.
Go to the point (-4, 16) on f(x) and draw the tangent line at this point. The slope of this tangent line is f'(-4) = 2(-4) = -8.
What do you find when you take the derivative of a function? The derivative f'(x) is a function that gives you the slope of the tangent line of f(x) at any point.
Dr.Peterson
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Also, please tell us what your textbook says in describing what the derivative is. We need to know what you have learned, and get some idea of why you are stumped, in order to get you past that.
You have asked two questions so far. In neither have you shown any work. Expressed any thoughts. Explained why you are stumped. I don't think you get what this site is about although its name clearly indicates it is a HELP site rather than an ANSWER site. We cannot help you if we do not know what you are studying, what work you have done and where you are stuck, or what keeps you from even starting to work.
Do you have a formal definition of a derivative? Definitions are always good to study and understand.
Does the term Newton quotient ring a bell? If so, what is the equivalent to a Newton quotient in the case of a linear function?
Do you have a formal definition of a derivative? Definitions are always good to study and understand.
Does the term Newton quotient ring a bell? If so, what is the equivalent to a Newton quotient in the case of a linear function?