Derivatives
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Derivative of a function at a number [edit | edit source]
Notation[edit | edit source]
We denote the derivative of a function at a number as .
Definition[edit | edit source]
The derivative of a function at a number a is given by the following limit (if it exists):
An analagous equation can be defined by letting . Then , which shows that when approaches , approaches :
Interpretations[edit | edit source]
As the slope of a tangent line[edit | edit source]
Given a function , the derivative can be understood as the slope of the tangent line to at :
As a rate of change[edit | edit source]
The derivative of a function at a number can be understood as the instantaneous rate of change of when .
At a tangent to one point of a curve[edit | edit source]
Vocabulary[edit | edit source]
The point A(a ; f(a)) is the point in contact of the tangent and Cf.
Definition[edit | edit source]
If f is differentiable in a, then the curve C admits at a point A which has for coordinates (a ; f(a)), a tangent : it is the straight line passing by A and of direction coefficient f'(a). An equation of that tangent is written: y = f'(a)*(x-a)+f(a)
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