you know the slope of the tangent for
y = f(x) at any point is
m = dy/dx
So, for y = x^2-2x, the slope at any x is
y'(x) = 2x - 2
So, at (0,0), mm = -2
If you want to estimate the slope, pick two x values close to zero and find the slope between those two points on the curve.
For example, if you pick -.1 and +.1, then
f(.1) = -.19
f(-.1) = .21
and the slope between (-.1,.21) and (+.1,-.19) is -.4/.2 = -2
No idea what "b" means for #2.
Would you be able to help me with a couple of questions? thanks in advanced!
1. I am given the graph f(x)=x^2-2x. I have to draw a line tangent to the point (0,0). Then, I have to estimate the slope at that point.
how would I go about answering this question? would I first find the slope? also how do you estimate the slope at that point?
2. Use the alternate definition, lim x->a f(x)-f(a)/x-a, to determine the instantaneous rate of change of f(x)= 1/x at the point (1,1/5)
For this question, I got b but I am not sure it is correct
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