The Tangent Line

& Derivative

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 𝑙

𝑓(𝑥) 𝑃2

𝑃1

Consider a continuous function 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) so that points 𝑃1 and 𝑃2 lies on this curve.
Connecting the two points will form the secant line 𝑙.
As we try to make 𝑃2 as closed as enough to 𝑃1 , notice that the secant line changes direction.

Polytechnic University of the Philippines

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 𝑙

𝑓(𝑥)
𝑃2

𝑃1

Consider a continuous function 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) so that points 𝑃1 and 𝑃2 lies on this curve.
Connecting the two points will form the secant line 𝑙.
As we try to make 𝑃2 as closed as enough to 𝑃1 , notice that the secant line changes direction.

Polytechnic University of the Philippines

Senior High School Department
 𝑙
𝑓(𝑥)

𝑃2

𝑃1

Consider a continuous function 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) so that points 𝑃1 and 𝑃2 lies on this curve.
Connecting the two points will form the secant line 𝑙.
As we try to make 𝑃2 as closed as enough to 𝑃1 , notice that the secant line changes direction.

Polytechnic University of the Philippines

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 𝑙 𝑓(𝑥)

𝑃2

𝑃1

Consider a continuous function 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) so that points 𝑃1 and 𝑃2 lies on this curve.
Connecting the two points will form the secant line 𝑙.
As we try to make 𝑃2 as closed as enough to 𝑃1 , notice that the secant line changes direction.

Polytechnic University of the Philippines

Senior High School Department
 𝑙 𝑓(𝑥)

𝑃2
𝑃1

Consider a continuous function 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) so that points 𝑃1 and 𝑃2 lies on this curve.
Connecting the two points will form the secant line 𝑙.
As we try to make 𝑃2 as closed as enough to 𝑃1 , notice that the secant line changes direction.

Polytechnic University of the Philippines

Senior High School Department
 𝑙 𝑓(𝑥)

𝑃1 = 𝑃2

Consider a continuous function 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) so that points 𝑃1 and 𝑃2 lies on this curve.
Connecting the two points will form the secant line 𝑙.
As we try to make 𝑃2 as closed as enough to 𝑃1 , notice that the secant line changes direction.
When the time 𝑃2 arrives exactly at 𝑃1 , observe that the line 𝑙 intersects the function 𝑓 now at
exactly one point.

Polytechnic University of the Philippines

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 𝑙 𝑓(𝑥)

𝑃1 = 𝑃2

Consider a continuous function 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) so that points 𝑃1 and 𝑃2 lies on this curve.
Connecting the two points will form the secant line 𝑙.
As we try to make 𝑃2 as closed as enough to 𝑃1 , notice that the secant line changes direction.
When the time 𝑃2 arrives exactly at 𝑃1 , observe that the line 𝑙 intersects the function 𝑓 now at
exactly one point. This newly generated line 𝑙 is called a 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑒.

Polytechnic University of the Philippines

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 𝑙 𝑓(𝑥)

𝑃1 = 𝑃2

Consider a continuous function 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) so that points 𝑃1 and 𝑃2 lies on this curve.
Connecting the two points will form the secant line 𝑙.
As we try to make 𝑃2 as closed as enough to 𝑃1 , notice that the secant line changes direction.
When the time 𝑃2 arrives exactly at 𝑃1 , observe that the line 𝑙 intersects the function 𝑓 now at
exactly one point. This newly generated line 𝑙 is called a 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑒.
Tangent line plays an important role in differential calculus, since the slope of this line is the
rate of change, instantaneous speed, or the 𝑑𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑣𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑒.
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 𝑦
𝑃2 (𝑥2 , 𝑦2 )
𝑙
𝑓(𝑥)

𝑃1(𝑥1 , 𝑦1 )

Let the coordinates of 𝑃1 and 𝑃2 be (𝑥1 , 𝑦1 ) and 𝑥2 , 𝑦2 , respectively.

The difference of the abscissas of 𝑃2 and 𝑃1 is denoted by ∆𝑥 (delta 𝑥) so that

∆𝑥 = 𝑥2 − 𝑥1

∆𝑥 represents the change in the value of 𝑥 from 𝑥1 to 𝑥2 and may be either

positive or negative.
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 𝑦
𝑃2 (𝑥2 , 𝑦2 )
𝑙
𝑓(𝑥)

𝑃1(𝑥1 , 𝑦1 )

Let the coordinates of 𝑃1 and 𝑃2 be (𝑥1 , 𝑦1 ) and 𝑥2 , 𝑦2 , respectively.

The difference of the abscissas of 𝑃2 and 𝑃1 is denoted by ∆𝑥 (delta 𝑥) so that

∆𝑥 = 𝑥2 − 𝑥1

∆𝑥 represents the change in the value of 𝑥 from 𝑥1 to 𝑥2 and may be either

positive or negative. This change is called an 𝑖𝑛𝑐𝑟𝑒𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑥.
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 𝑦
𝑃2 (𝑥2 , 𝑦2 )
𝑦=𝑓 𝑥 𝑙
𝑓(𝑥)
𝑦1 = 𝑓 𝑥1
𝑦2 = 𝑓 𝑥2 𝑓 𝑥2 − 𝑓(𝑥1 )
𝑃1(𝑥1 , 𝑦1 )
∆𝑥 = 𝑥2 − 𝑥1
𝑥2 = 𝑥1 + ∆𝑥 ∆𝑥 = 𝑥2 − 𝑥1
Type equation here. 𝑥

𝑦2 − 𝑦1 𝑓(𝑥2 ) − 𝑓(𝑥1 ) 𝑓(𝑥1 + ∆𝑥 ) − 𝑓(𝑥1 )

The slope of the secant line is 𝑚= = =
𝑥2 − 𝑥1 ∆𝑥 ∆𝑥
Observe that if we try to do what we did earlier, that is, allowing 𝑃2 to make as closed as
enough to 𝑃1

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 𝑦
𝑦=𝑓 𝑥 𝑃2 (𝑥2 , 𝑦2 ) 𝑙
𝑦1 = 𝑓 𝑥1
𝑓(𝑥)
𝑦2 = 𝑓 𝑥2
𝑃1(𝑥1 , 𝑦1 ) 𝑓 𝑥2 − 𝑓(𝑥1 )
∆𝑥 = 𝑥2 − 𝑥1
𝑥2 = 𝑥1 + ∆𝑥 ∆𝑥 = 𝑥2 − 𝑥1
Type equation here. 𝑥

𝑦2 − 𝑦1 𝑓(𝑥2 ) − 𝑓(𝑥1 ) 𝑓(𝑥1 + ∆𝑥 ) − 𝑓(𝑥1 )

The slope of the secant line is 𝑚= = =
𝑥2 − 𝑥1 ∆𝑥 ∆𝑥
Observe that if we try to do what we did earlier, that is, allowing 𝑃2 to make as closed as
enough to 𝑃1

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 𝑦
𝑦=𝑓 𝑥 𝑙
𝑓(𝑥)
𝑦1 = 𝑓 𝑥1 𝑃2 (𝑥2 , 𝑦2 )

𝑦2 = 𝑓 𝑥2
𝑃1(𝑥1 , 𝑦1 )
𝑓 𝑥2 − 𝑓(𝑥1 )
∆𝑥 = 𝑥2 − 𝑥1
𝑥2 = 𝑥1 + ∆𝑥 ∆𝑥 = 𝑥2 − 𝑥1
Type equation here. 𝑥

𝑦2 − 𝑦1 𝑓(𝑥2 ) − 𝑓(𝑥1 ) 𝑓(𝑥1 + ∆𝑥 ) − 𝑓(𝑥1 )

The slope of the secant line is 𝑚= = =
𝑥2 − 𝑥1 ∆𝑥 ∆𝑥
Observe that if we try to do what we did earlier, that is, allowing 𝑃2 to make as closed as
enough to 𝑃1

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 𝑦
𝑦=𝑓 𝑥 𝑙
𝑓(𝑥)
𝑦1 = 𝑓 𝑥1 𝑃2 (𝑥2 , 𝑦2 )

𝑦2 = 𝑓 𝑥2
𝑃1(𝑥1 , 𝑦1 )
∆𝑥 = 𝑥2 − 𝑥1 𝑓 𝑥2 − 𝑓(𝑥1 )
𝑥2 = 𝑥1 + ∆𝑥 ∆𝑥 = 𝑥2 − 𝑥1
Type equation here. 𝑥

𝑦2 − 𝑦1 𝑓(𝑥2 ) − 𝑓(𝑥1 ) 𝑓(𝑥1 + ∆𝑥 ) − 𝑓(𝑥1 )

The slope of the secant line is 𝑚= = =
𝑥2 − 𝑥1 ∆𝑥 ∆𝑥
Observe that if we try to do what we did earlier, that is, allowing 𝑃2 to make as closed as
enough to 𝑃1 . This is equivalent to stating that ∆𝑥 approaches zero.
𝑓(𝑥1 + ∆𝑥 ) − 𝑓(𝑥1 ) Slope of Tangent Line
lim (DERIVATIVE)
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 𝑓(𝑥1 + ∆𝑥 ) − 𝑓(𝑥1 )
lim
𝑦 𝑇 ∆𝑥 →0 ∆𝑥

𝑦=𝑓 𝑥 𝑙 𝑓(𝑥1 + ∆𝑥 ) − 𝑓(𝑥1 )

𝑓(𝑥) ∆𝑥
𝑦1 = 𝑓 𝑥1 𝑃2 (𝑥2 , 𝑦2 )
𝑦2 = 𝑓 𝑥2
∆𝑥 = 𝑥2 − 𝑥1
𝑃1(𝑥1 , 𝑦1 )
𝑥2 = 𝑥1 + ∆𝑥
𝑥

𝑦2 − 𝑦1 𝑓(𝑥2 ) − 𝑓(𝑥1 ) 𝑓(𝑥1 + ∆𝑥 ) − 𝑓(𝑥1 )

The slope of the secant line is 𝑚= = =
𝑥2 − 𝑥1 ∆𝑥 ∆𝑥
Observe that if we try to do what we did earlier, that is, allowing 𝑃2 to make as closed as
enough to 𝑃1 . This is equivalent to stating that ∆𝑥 approaches zero.

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 Definition. Tangent Line to the Graph of the Function

Suppose the function 𝑓 is continuous at 𝑥1 . The 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑒 to the graph of 𝑓 at the point
𝑃(𝑥1 , 𝑓 𝑥1 ) is

(i). The line through 𝑃 having the slope 𝑚, given by

𝑓(𝑥1 + ∆𝑥 ) − 𝑓(𝑥1 )
𝑚 = lim (1)
∆ 𝑥 →0 ∆𝑥
if this limit exists.

(ii). The line 𝑥 = 𝑥1 if

𝑓(𝑥1 + ∆𝑥 ) − 𝑓(𝑥1 )
lim = +∞ or −∞
∆ 𝑥 →0− ∆𝑥
and (2)
𝑓(𝑥1 + ∆𝑥 ) − 𝑓(𝑥1 )
lim = +∞ or −∞
∆ 𝑥 →0 + ∆𝑥

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Example. Find the slope and an equation of the tangent line to the parabola 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 − 1 at the point (2, 3). Sketch
the parabola and the tangent line at 2, 3 .

Solution. First, compute the slope of the tangent line. Thus, the tangent line at (2, 3) has a slope 4.
Given: 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 − 1 and 𝑥1 = 2. By point-slope form, 𝑦 − 𝑦1 = 𝑚 𝑥 − 𝑥1 , we have
𝑦
2
𝑓(𝑥1 + ∆𝑥 ) − 𝑓(𝑥1 ) 4∆𝑥 + ∆𝑥
𝑚 = lim 𝑚 = lim
∆ 𝑥 →0 ∆𝑥 ∆ 𝑥 →0 ∆𝑥
5

𝑓(2 + ∆𝑥 ) − 𝑓(2) ∆𝑥 (4 + ∆𝑥 ) 4 𝑦−3=4 𝑥−2

𝑚 = lim 𝑚 = lim
∆𝑥 →0 ∆𝑥 ∆ 𝑥 →0 ∆𝑥 𝑦 − 3 = 4𝑥 − 8
3 (2, 3)
4𝑥 − 𝑦 − 5 = 0
2 + ∆𝑥 2 − 1 − 3 2
𝑚 = lim 𝑚 = lim (4 + ∆𝑥 )
∆ 𝑥 →0 ∆𝑥 ∆ 𝑥 →0
1

2
4 + 4∆𝑥 + ∆𝑥 −4 −3 −2 −1 1 2 3
𝑚 = lim 𝑚=4
∆ 𝑥 →0 ∆𝑥 𝑥

−1

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Example. Find the slope and an equation of the tangent line to the parabola 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 − 1 at the point (0, −1). Sketch
the parabola and the tangent line at 0, −1 .

Solution. First, compute the slope of the tangent line. Thus, the tangent line at (0, −1) has a slope 0.
Given: 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 − 1 and 𝑥1 = 0. By point-slope form, 𝑦 + 1 = 0 𝑥 − 0 , we have
𝑦
𝑓(𝑥1 + ∆𝑥 ) − 𝑓(𝑥1 )
𝑚 = lim 𝑚 = lim ∆𝑥
∆ 𝑥 →0 ∆𝑥 ∆ 𝑥 →0
5

𝑓(0 + ∆𝑥 ) − 𝑓(0) 4 𝑦 − (−1) = 0 𝑥 − 0

𝑚 = lim 𝑚=0
∆𝑥 →0 ∆𝑥 𝑦+1=0
3
2
𝑦 = −1
∆𝑥 −1 +1
𝑚 = lim 2
∆ 𝑥 →0 ∆𝑥
1
2
∆𝑥 −3 −2 −1 1 2 3
𝑚 = lim
∆ 𝑥 →0 ∆𝑥 𝑥

(0, −1) −1
𝑦 = −1
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 3
Example. Find the slope and an equation of the tangent line to the curve 𝑦 = 𝑥 at the point (0, 0). Sketch
the curve and the tangent line at 0, 0 .
𝑦
Solution. First, compute the slope of the tangent line.
3
3
Given: 𝑦 = 𝑥 and 𝑥1 = 0.
2
𝑓(𝑥1 + ∆𝑥 ) − 𝑓(𝑥1 )
𝑚 = lim
∆ 𝑥 →0 ∆𝑥 1

𝑓(0 + ∆𝑥 ) − 𝑓(0) 1 2 3
𝑚 = lim
∆ 𝑥 →0 ∆𝑥 (0,0) 𝑥
−3 −2 −1

3 −1
∆𝑥 − 0 2
−3 1
𝑚 = lim = lim (∆𝑥 ) = lim 2
∆ 𝑥 →0 ∆𝑥 ∆ 𝑥 →0 ∆ 𝑥 →0
∆𝑥 3 −2

𝑚 = does not exist.

−3

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 Definition. Derivative of a Function (Increment Method)

The derivative of the function 𝑓 is that function, denoted by 𝑓 ′ , such that its value at a number 𝑥 in
the domain of 𝑓 is

𝑓(𝑥 + ∆𝑥 ) − 𝑓(𝑥)
𝑓′(𝑥) = lim (3)
∆ 𝑥 →0 ∆𝑥

if this limit exists.

If 𝑥1 is a particular number in the domain of 𝑓, then

𝑓(𝑥1 + ∆𝑥 ) − 𝑓(𝑥1 )
𝑓′(𝑥1 ) = lim (4)
∆ 𝑥 →0 ∆𝑥
if this limit exists.

Observe that (1) is the same to 4 .

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Example. Find the derivative of 𝑓 Example. Find the derivative of ℎ
𝑓 𝑥 =𝑥 ℎ 𝑥 = 𝑥2

Solution. By formula 3 , Solution. By formula 3 ,

𝑓(𝑥 + ∆𝑥 ) − 𝑓(𝑥) ℎ(𝑥 + ∆𝑥 ) − ℎ(𝑥)

𝑓′(𝑥) = lim ℎ′(𝑥) = lim
∆ 𝑥 →0 ∆𝑥
∆ 𝑥 →0 ∆𝑥

(𝑥 + ∆𝑥 ) − 𝑥 𝑥 + ∆𝑥 2 − 𝑥 2
= lim = lim
∆ 𝑥 →0 ∆𝑥 ∆ 𝑥 →0 ∆𝑥

∆𝑥 𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 ∆𝑥 + ∆𝑥 2 − 𝑥2
= lim = lim
∆𝑥 →0 ∆𝑥 ∆ 𝑥 →0 ∆𝑥
2𝑥 ∆𝑥 + ∆𝑥 2
= lim 1 = lim
∆ 𝑥 →0 ∆ 𝑥 →0 ∆𝑥

𝑓′(𝑥) = 1 ∆𝑥 (2𝑥 + ∆𝑥 )
= lim
∆ 𝑥 →0 ∆𝑥

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ℎ′(𝑥) = lim (2𝑥 + ∆𝑥 ) = 2𝑥
∆ 𝑥 →0
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 3
Example. Find the derivative of ∅ 𝑥 = . Example. Find the derivative of 𝑓 𝑧 = 𝑧.
𝑥

Solution. By formula 3 , Solution. By formula 3 ,

∅(𝑥 + ∆𝑥 ) − ∅(𝑥) 𝑓(𝑧 + ∆𝑧 ) − 𝑓(𝑧)

∅′(𝑥) = lim 𝑓′(𝑧) = lim
∆ 𝑧 →0 ∆𝑧
∆ 𝑥 →0 ∆𝑥
3 3 𝑧 + ∆𝑧 − 𝑧 𝑧 + ∆𝑧 + 𝑧
−
𝑥 + ∆𝑥 𝑥 = lim ∙
= lim ∆ 𝑧 →0 ∆𝑧 𝑧 + ∆𝑧 + 𝑧
∆ 𝑥 →0 ∆𝑥
𝑧 + ∆𝑧 − 𝑧
3𝑥 − 3(𝑥 + ∆𝑥 ) = lim
= lim ∆ 𝑧 →0 ∆ 𝑧+𝑧+ 𝑧
∆𝑥 →0 (∆𝑥 )(𝑥)(𝑥 + ∆𝑥 ) 𝑧

−3∆𝑥 ∆𝑧
= lim = lim
∆𝑥 →0 (∆𝑥 )(𝑥)(𝑥 + ∆𝑥 ) ∆ 𝑧 →0 ∆ 𝑧 + ∆𝑧 + 𝑧
𝑧

−3 −3 1
= lim = 2 = lim
∆𝑥 →0 (𝑥)(𝑥 + ∆𝑥 ) 𝑥 ∆ 𝑧 →0 𝑧 + ∆𝑧 + 𝑧

1
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Example. Find the derivative of 𝑔 𝑡 = 𝑡 3 − 2𝑡 + 5.
Solution. By formula 3 ,

𝑔(𝑡 + ∆𝑡 ) − 𝑔(𝑡) 3𝑡 2 ∆𝑡 + 3𝑡 ∆𝑡 2 + ∆𝑡 3 − 2∆𝑡

𝑔′(𝑡) = lim = lim
∆ 𝑡 →0 ∆𝑡 ∆ 𝑡 →0 ∆𝑡
First, we evaluate 𝑔(𝑡 + ∆𝑡 )
∆𝑡 (3𝑡 2 + 3𝑡∆𝑡 + ∆𝑡 2
− 2)
= lim
3 ∆ 𝑡 →0 ∆𝑡
𝑔(𝑡 + ∆𝑡 ) = 𝑡 + ∆𝑡 −2 𝑡 + ∆𝑡 + 5
= 𝑡 3 + 3𝑡 2 ∆𝑡 + 3𝑡 ∆𝑡 2 + ∆𝑡 3 − 2𝑡 − 2∆𝑡 + 5
= lim 3𝑡 2 + 3𝑡∆𝑡 + ∆𝑡 2
−2
∆ 𝑡 →0
but 𝑔 𝑡 = 𝑡 3 − 2𝑡 + 5. Hence,

𝑡 3 + 3𝑡 2 ∆𝑡 + 3𝑡 ∆𝑡 2
+ ∆𝑡 3
− 2𝑡 − 2∆𝑡 + 5 − (𝑡 3 −2𝑡 + 5) = 3𝑡 2 − 2
𝑔′(𝑡) = lim
∆𝑡 →0 ∆𝑡
𝑡 3 + 3𝑡 2 ∆𝑡 + 3𝑡 ∆𝑡 2
+ ∆𝑡 3
− 2𝑡 − 2∆𝑡 + 5 − 𝑡 3 + 2𝑡 − 5 ∴ 𝑔′ 𝑡 = 3𝑡 2 − 2
= lim
∆𝑡 →0 ∆𝑡

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Consider now the formula 4 ,

𝑓(𝑥1 + ∆𝑥 ) − 𝑓(𝑥1 )
𝑓′(𝑥1 ) = lim (4)
∆ 𝑥 →0 ∆𝑥
In this formula, let

𝑥1 + ∆𝑥 = 𝑥 (5)

Then,

“∆𝑥 → 0” is equivalent to “𝑥 → 𝑥1 ” (6)

By formula 4 , 5 , and 6 , we will obtain an alternative formula for 𝑓 ′ 𝑥1 .

𝑓(𝑥) − 𝑓(𝑥1 )
𝑓′(𝑥1 ) = lim (7)
𝑥 → 𝑥1 𝑥 − 𝑥1

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Example. Find the slope and an equation of the tangent line to the parabola 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 − 1 at the point (2, 3). Sketch
the parabola and the tangent line at 2, 3 .

Solution. First, compute the slope of the tangent line. Use formula (7) to find the slope,
Given: 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 − 1 and 𝑥1 = 2. 𝑓 𝑥 − 𝑓 𝑥1
𝑓′(𝑥1 ) = lim
2
𝑥→𝑥1 𝑥 − 𝑥1
𝑓(𝑥1 + ∆𝑥 ) − 𝑓(𝑥1 ) 4∆𝑥 + ∆𝑥
𝑚 = lim 𝑚 = lim
∆ 𝑥 →0 ∆𝑥 ∆ 𝑥 →0 ∆𝑥 (𝑥 2 −1) − 𝑓 2
𝑓′(2) = lim
𝑥→2 𝑥−2
𝑓(2 + ∆𝑥 ) − 𝑓(2) ∆𝑥 (4 + ∆𝑥 ) (𝑥 2 −1) − 3
𝑚 = lim 𝑚 = lim 𝑓′(2) = lim
∆𝑥 →0 ∆𝑥 ∆ 𝑥 →0 ∆𝑥 𝑥→2 𝑥−2

2 + ∆𝑥 2 − 1 − 3 𝑥2 − 4
𝑚 = lim 𝑚 = lim (4 + ∆𝑥 ) 𝑓′(2) = lim
∆ 𝑥 →0 ∆𝑥 ∆ 𝑥 →0 𝑥→2 𝑥 − 2

4 + 4∆𝑥 + ∆𝑥 2
−4 (𝑥 + 2)(𝑥 − 2)
𝑚 = lim 𝑚=4 𝑓′(2) = lim
∆ 𝑥 →0 ∆𝑥
𝑥→2 𝑥−2

𝑓′(2) = lim (𝑥 + 2) = 4
𝑥→2
Polytechnic University of the Philippines
Senior High School Department
Example. Find the slope and an equation of the tangent line to the parabola 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 − 1 at the point (0, −1). Sketch
the parabola and the tangent line at 0, −1 .

Solution. First, compute the slope of the tangent line. Use formula (7) to find the slope,
Given: 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 − 1 and 𝑥1 = 0. 𝑓 𝑥 − 𝑓 𝑥1
𝑓′(𝑥1 ) = lim
𝑥→𝑥1 𝑥 − 𝑥1
𝑓(𝑥1 + ∆𝑥 ) − 𝑓(𝑥1 )
𝑚 = lim
∆ 𝑥 →0 ∆𝑥 (𝑥 2 −1) − 𝑓 0
𝑓′(0) = lim
𝑥→0 𝑥−0
𝑓(0 + ∆𝑥 ) − 𝑓(0)
𝑚 = lim (𝑥 2 −1) + 1
∆𝑥 →0 ∆𝑥 𝑓′(0) = lim
𝑥→0 𝑥

∆𝑥 2 −1 +1 𝑥2
𝑚 = lim 𝑓′(0) = lim
∆ 𝑥 →0 ∆𝑥 𝑥→0 𝑥

2
∆𝑥 𝑓′(0) = lim 𝑥 = 0
𝑚 = lim = lim ∆𝑥 = 0 𝑥→0
∆ 𝑥 →0 ∆𝑥 ∆ 𝑥 →0

Polytechnic University of the Philippines

Senior High School Department
 3
Example. Find the slope and an equation of the tangent line to the curve 𝑦 = 𝑥 at the point (0, 0). Sketch
the curve and the tangent line at 0, 0 .

Solution. First, compute the slope of the tangent line. Use formula (7) to find the slope,
3
Given: 𝑦 = 𝑥 and 𝑥1 = 0. 𝑓 𝑥 − 𝑓 𝑥1
𝑓′(𝑥1 ) = lim
𝑥→𝑥1 𝑥 − 𝑥1
𝑓(𝑥1 + ∆𝑥 ) − 𝑓(𝑥1 )
𝑚 = lim 3
∆ 𝑥 →0 ∆𝑥 𝑥−𝑓 0
𝑓′(0) = lim
𝑥→0 𝑥−0
𝑓(0 + ∆𝑥 ) − 𝑓(0) 3
𝑚 = lim 𝑥
∆ 𝑥 →0 ∆𝑥 𝑓′(0) = lim
𝑥→0 𝑥

3
∆𝑥 − 0 2
−3 1 2
−3
𝑚 = lim = lim (∆𝑥 ) = lim 2
𝑓′(0) = lim 𝑥
∆ 𝑥 →0 ∆𝑥 ∆ 𝑥 →0 ∆ 𝑥 →0 𝑥→0
∆𝑥 3
1
𝑚 = does not exist. 𝑓′(0) = lim 2
𝑥→0
𝑥3

𝑓 ′ 0 = does not exist.

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Derivative Notations

Let 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) be a continuous function, the derivative of a function 𝑦 is denoted as follows:

𝑦′ since 𝑓 ′ 𝑥 = lim
𝑓(𝑥 + ∆𝑥 ) − 𝑓(𝑥)
= lim
∆𝑦
(8)
∆𝑥→0 ∆𝑥 ∆𝑥→0 ∆𝑥

𝑓′ 𝑑𝑦
using (8) and replacing 𝑓′(𝑥) as , formula (3), which is the
𝑑𝑥
𝑓′(𝑥) increment method becomes

𝑑𝑦 𝑑𝑦
= lim
∆𝑦
𝑑𝑥 ∆𝑥→0 ∆𝑥
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑦
is 𝑛𝑜𝑡 𝑎 𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜. It indicates only that we are
𝑑 Note: The symbol
𝑑𝑥
(𝑦) looking for the “derivative” of a function 𝑦 in terms of 𝑥.
𝑑𝑥 We read this as “𝑑𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑣𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑦 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑝𝑒𝑐𝑡 𝑡𝑜 𝑥”.
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