Applications of Differentiation Tutorial

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Derivatives & Straight Line Graphs

The derivative f'(x) is the gradient of the tangent of the graph of f at the point x.  In a straight line graph the derivative is the gradient of the graph.

 

 

The normal to a curve at any point is the line perpendicular to the tangent at that point.
The gradient of two perpendicular lines has a product of –1. 

 

 

For you to try.

 

Solutions:  1)  -1    2)  -1    3)  -2    4)  2