3.2.1 The Slope of a Tangent Line Flashcards Preview

AP Calculus AB > 3.2.1 The Slope of a Tangent Line > Flashcards

Flashcards in 3.2.1 The Slope of a Tangent Line Deck (9)
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1
Q

The Slope of a Tangent Line

A
  • To find the slope of a tangent line, evaluate the derivative at the point of tangency.
  • The derivative of f at x is given by provided the limit exists.
2
Q

note

A
  • To find the slope of a line tangent to a curve at a given point, it is necessary to take the derivative.
  • Start with the definition of the derivative.
  • Substitute the function into the definition.
  • Expand the expression so you can find pieces that cancel.
  • Every term that does not have a xshould cancel away.
  • Factor a x out of the remaining expression.
  • Cancel the xwith the one in the denominator.
  • Now evaluate the resulting limit by direct substitution.
  • The resulting equation is the derivative of the function f. Notice that the derivative is not the answer to the question. There is more work to do.
  • Now that you know the derivative of f, find the slope of the tangent line by plugging the point of tangency into the derivative.
  • The resulting number is the slope of the tangent line.
  • The derivative gives you the slope.
3
Q

Using the definition of the derivative, find the slope of the tangent line to the function f (x) = 12x ^2 at (−2, 48).

A

−48

4
Q

Consider the function f(x)=−1/3x^3−x.Suppose you are given that f′(x)=−x^2−1.What is the slope of the tangent line to f(x) at (3,−12)?

A

−10

5
Q

Given f(x)=2x^2−x, what is the slope of the line tangent to f(x) at the point (3,15)?

A

m = 11

6
Q

Given f(x)=x^2−2x and f′(x)=2x−2,what is the slope of the line tangent to f(x) at the point (1,−1)?

A

m = 0

7
Q

Given f  (x) = x^2 − 2, what is the slope of the line tangent to f (x) at the point (3, 7)?

A

m = 6

8
Q

Suppose you are given f(x)=x^3 and f′(x)=3x^2.Find the value of x,1

A

√21/3

9
Q

Given f(x)=x^2+x, what is the slope of the line tangent to f(x) at the point (2,  6)?

A

m = 5

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