Original
Given a function, a {{CMD_7}}linear approximation{{CMD_8}} is a fancy phrase
for something you already know:
{{CMD_9}}
{{CMD_10}}The line tangent to the graph of a function at a point is very close to the graph of the function near that point.{{CMD_11}}
{{CMD_12}}
This tangent line is the graph of a linear function, called the {{CMD_13}}linear approximation{{CMD_14}}.
{{CMD_15}}
Let {{MATH_16}} be a function that is differentiable on some interval I that contains the point {{MATH_17}}.
The graph of a function {{MATH_18}} and the line tangent to the curve
{{MATH_19}} at the point where {{MATH_20}} are given in the figure below. Find the equation of the tangent line.
{{CMD_21}}
{{ENV_22}}
{{COMMENT_23}}
{{COMMENT_24}}
{{CMD_25}}
First, find the expression for {{MATH_26}}, the slope of the tangent line to the curve {{MATH_27}} at the point {{MATH_28}}.
Select the correct choice.
{{CMD_29}}
{{CMD_30}}{{MATH_31}}{{CMD_32}}
{{CMD_33}}{{MATH_34}}{{CMD_35}}
{{CMD_36}}{{MATH_37}}{{CMD_38}}
{{CMD_39}}{{MATH_40}}{{CMD_41}}
{{CMD_42}} We don't have enough information to determine the slope.{{CMD_43}}
{{CMD_44}}
Since we know that the point {{MATH_45}} lies on the tangent line, we can write an equation of the tangent line.
{{MATH_46}}
Now, we define a function, {{MATH_47}}, by {{MATH_48}}. This function is linear and its graph is the line tangent to the curve {{MATH_49}} at the point where {{MATH_50}}.
This function deserves a special name.
{{CMD_51}}
{{CMD_52}}{{CMD_53}}
If {{MATH_54}} is a function differentiable at {{MATH_55}}, then a {{CMD_56}}linear
approximation{{CMD_57}} to the function {{MATH_58}} at {{MATH_59}} is given by
{{MATH_60}}
{{CMD_61}}