Slope of a tangent = limit of the function?

In summary, the slope of a tangent line can be considered as a limit of a function. This is because the slope of a line tangent to a function f at a point x is the derivative of that function f, evaluated at x, and the derivative of a function at a fixed point x is, by definition, a limit. The definition of a derivative is the rate of change of a function at a fixed point. This means that for a certain input value of x, there will be a corresponding output value of y.
  • #1
nejnadusho
31
0
Slope of a tangent = limit of the function?

Hi.


I want to ask .
Can it be true that

The slope of a tangent line is a limit of a function.

or

The slope of a tangent line can be considered as a limit of a function?

?

Is it the same I mean the slope of a tangent line and a limit of a function
or I am dreaming something?

thanks in advance
 
Last edited:
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  • #2
Did you mean the limit of the rate of change of a function? Maybe you should explain more what you meant by "the limit"
 
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  • #3
The slope of a line tangent to a function f at a point x is the derivative of that function f, evaluated at x. The derivative of a function at a fixed point x is, by definition, a limit. Do you know the definition of [tex]f'(x)[/tex]?
 
  • #4
The definition?
I am not sure.

I know that this is a function. And depends what kind of function is if I imput a value for
x I will have an aoutput.

And also for a sertain value of x I will receive a certain value for y.
 
  • #5
Has your professor/teacher not gone over derivatives in class yet? If not, the Wikipedia entry on derivatives will give you the definition (and the solution!).
 
  • #6
Thank you guys once again.
 

FAQ: Slope of a tangent = limit of the function?

What is the slope of a tangent?

The slope of a tangent is the slope of a line that touches a curve at a single point. It represents the rate of change of the curve at that specific point.

How is the slope of a tangent calculated?

The slope of a tangent is calculated using the derivative of a function at a specific point. The derivative is the limit of the function as the change in x approaches 0.

Why is the slope of a tangent important?

The slope of a tangent is important because it helps us understand the behavior of a curve at a specific point. It can also be used to find the instantaneous rate of change of a function.

Is the slope of a tangent always the same as the slope of the curve?

No, the slope of a tangent is only the same as the slope of the curve at the specific point where it is tangent. The slope of a curve can vary at different points.

Can the slope of a tangent be negative?

Yes, the slope of a tangent can be negative if the curve is decreasing at that specific point. It can also be positive or zero, depending on the behavior of the curve at the point of tangency.

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