Given a function and a point on the function, the video shows how to determine the equation of the tangent line at that point. Using the function equation, the presenter determines the y-coordinate for the point. The 24th video in a 31-part series goes on to calculate the derivative to find the slope of the tangent line. Using the point-slope formula for a line, the presentations find the tangent line equation.

Concepts

point-slope form, derivatives, functions, tangent lines, slope, chain rule

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Additional Tags

math

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Instructional Ideas

• Review writing linear equations given a point and the slope
• Use graphing technology to graph the function and the tangent line to show that it truly is the tangent line at the given point

Classroom Considerations

• The class should be comfortable taking the derivative of functions

• This video is hosted on YouTube

Pros

• Shows all the steps needed in the calculations of the derivative
• Uses colored boxes to highlight the components needed for the equation of the line and their values when found

Cons

• None