# Homework Help: Slope of a tangent = limit of the function?

1. Mar 20, 2008

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

Hi.

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?

Last edited: Mar 20, 2008
2. Mar 20, 2008

### jhicks

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: Mar 21, 2008
3. Mar 21, 2008

### jjou

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 $$f'(x)$$?

4. Mar 21, 2008

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 recieve a certain value for y.

5. Mar 21, 2008

### jjou

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. Mar 21, 2008