Activities

Getting Started

Day 1

Day 2

Day3

Final Project

Materials

Your Grade

Teacher's Corner

     slope = = the derivative of  f(x) at  x₀ 

Take a peek.  

Click the Back button when you are done.

Add the formula above to your notes. It is the definition of the derivative of a function at the point x₀ 

There are several notations for the derivative of a function f(x).  The one we will use now is written f ' (x) and is read f prime of x.  So, the derivative (slope) of f(x) at x = 2 is written f ' (2) and is read f prime of 2.

Now that you have the formula to calculate the slope of a curve at any point, (the slope of the surf board were it touches the wave) let's find the equation of the tangent line to the curve (the surf board). You know how to find all the information you need to write the equation of the line (a point and the slope) from the work you did on Day 1.

You will go to the link below. Select Book I, Chapter 3  The Derivative, Section 1  Slopes and Tangents, Module 2  Tangent Line Equation.  Do problems 1-8. Work the problems until you get them all correct.  You will turn in a paper copy of the problems, the work that leads to your solution, and the correct answer. If you need help, go to the help button and see their example.  BE CAREFUL!!  In their examples, you may not see the apostrophe in  f ' (x)--
"First we need to calculate f ' (x):  ". 
When you are done click the Back button repeatedly until you return to this page. 

 Back To Top Of Page