Slope of a tangent = limit of the function?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the relationship between the slope of a tangent line and limits in the context of calculus, specifically focusing on derivatives and their definitions.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster questions whether the slope of a tangent line can be considered a limit of a function and seeks clarification on this concept. Some participants suggest exploring the definition of derivatives and the relationship between derivatives and limits.

Discussion Status

Participants are engaging in a dialogue about the definitions and concepts related to derivatives and limits. Some guidance has been offered regarding the definition of derivatives, but there is no explicit consensus on the original poster's understanding of the concepts.

Contextual Notes

The original poster expresses uncertainty about the definition of derivatives and whether their professor has covered the topic in class, indicating a potential gap in foundational knowledge.

nejnadusho
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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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Did you mean the limit of the rate of change of a function? Maybe you should explain more what you meant by "the limit"
 
Last edited:
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]?
 
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.
 
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!).
 
Thank you guys once again.
 

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