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Module 3
Module 3
Module 3
As you can see from the graphs above, line l on the first touches the curve at two points while
line l on the second graph touches the curve at only one point. However, it is actually the first
graph that shows a tangent line to the graph at point P while in the second graph, although
the line touches the graph at only one point but it is not tangent to the graph at point P.
Therefore, the definition “A line which touches the graph at only one point” is not an accurate
definition but it could be applicable when talking about particular graphs like the circle.
(b) (from some dictionaries) touching but not intersecting (cutting through)
Touching and intersecting are very similar concepts in mathematics. The distinction may arise
from the interpretation that a line touching a curve stays entirely on one side (below or above)
of the curve, while intersecting means that the tangent line “cuts through” the curve (the
tangent line is above the curve to the left of the point of tangency while it is below the curve
to the right of the point of tangency, or vice versa). Both the lines below are tangent lines.
Since it is shown in the graph that definition b is still a not precise definition, what then is the
definition of tangent line?
Page 1 of 9
BASIC CALCULUS 3rd Trimester, SY 2023-2024
Governor Pack Road, Baguio City, Philippines 2600
Tel. Nos.: (+6374) 442-3316, 442-8220; 444-2786;
442-2564; 442-8219; 442-8256; Fax No.: 442-6268 Grade Level/Section: GRADE 11 - STEM
Email: email@uc-bcf.edu.ph; Website: www.uc-bcf.edu.ph
The precise definition of a tangent line relies on the notion of a secant line.
Let C be the graph of a continuous function y = f(x) and let P be a point on C. A secant line to y = f(x)
through P is any line connecting P and another point Q on C. In the figure below, the line PQ is a
secant line of y = f(x) through P.
Consider also the case when Q is to the left of P and perform the same process.
Intuitively, we can define the tangent line through P to be the limiting position of the secant lines PQ
as the point Q (whether to the left or right of P) approaches P.
If the sequence of secant lines to the graph of y = f(x) through P approaches one limiting position (in
consideration of points Q to the left and from the right of P), then we define this line to be the
tangent line to y = f(x) at P.
We summarize below the definitions of the secant line through a point, and the tangent line at a
point of the graph of y = f(x).
Definition:
Let C be the graph of a continuous function 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) and let 𝑃 be a point on 𝐶.
1. A secant line to 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) through 𝑃 is any line connecting 𝑃 and another point 𝑄 on 𝐶.
2. The tangent line to 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) at 𝑃 is the limiting position of all secant lines ̅̅̅̅
𝑃𝑄 as 𝑄 → 𝑃.
*** As can be read from the definition of tangent line above, tangent line is a limiting position of all
secant lines. This is the reason why the definition of tangent line could also be expressed using limits.
You will see that as we go on with our lesson.
Page 2 of 9
BASIC CALCULUS 3rd Trimester, SY 2023-2024
Governor Pack Road, Baguio City, Philippines 2600
Tel. Nos.: (+6374) 442-3316, 442-8220; 444-2786;
442-2564; 442-8219; 442-8256; Fax No.: 442-6268 Grade Level/Section: GRADE 11 - STEM
Email: email@uc-bcf.edu.ph; Website: www.uc-bcf.edu.ph
can be regarded as a tool that can be used in finding the slope of the tangent line, or in finding the
instantaneous rate of change. In what follows, we define this expression as the derivative of f(x) at a.
If instead of using a constant “a” in the above formula, we replace “a” with the variable x, the resulting
limit (if it exists) will be an expression in terms of x. We can treat this expression in terms of x as another
function of x. This very useful function, denoted by f ‘(x), is called the derivative function of f.
*** In looking for the derivative of a function, we will use method 2 in finding the slope of a tangent line.
Given: 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 − 1
Page 3 of 9
BASIC CALCULUS 3rd Trimester, SY 2023-2024
Governor Pack Road, Baguio City, Philippines 2600
Tel. Nos.: (+6374) 442-3316, 442-8220; 444-2786;
442-2564; 442-8219; 442-8256; Fax No.: 442-6268 Grade Level/Section: GRADE 11 - STEM
Email: email@uc-bcf.edu.ph; Website: www.uc-bcf.edu.ph
𝒇(𝒙+𝒉)−𝒇(𝒙)
ii. Substitute f(x+h) and f(x) in the formula: 𝐥𝐢𝐦
𝒉→𝟎 𝒉
Simplify further
𝟐𝒙𝟐 + 𝟒𝐱𝐡 + 𝟐𝒉𝟐 + 𝟑𝐱+ 𝟑𝐡 – 𝟏 −𝟐𝒙𝟐−𝟑𝒙+𝟏
𝐥𝐢𝐦
𝒉→𝟎 𝒉
𝟒𝐱𝐡+𝟐𝒉𝟐+𝟑𝒉
𝐥𝐢𝐦
𝒉→𝟎 𝒉
𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝟒𝒙 + 𝟐𝒉 + 𝟑
𝒉→𝟎
3. Given that 𝑓(𝑥) = √𝑥 + 8, use the definition of the derivative to compute 𝒇’(𝟖).
For this case, we can use method 1.
Solution:
Given: 𝑓(𝑥) = √𝑥 + 8
𝒂=8
𝑓(8) = √8 + 8 = √16 = 4
𝑓(𝑥)−𝑓(𝑎)
To compute 𝑓′(8), use the formula: 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = lim
𝑥→𝑎 𝑥−𝑎
√𝑥+8−4
𝑓 ′ (8) = lim 𝑥−8
Substitute f(x), f(a) and a in the formula
𝑥→8
√𝑥+8−4 √𝑥+8+4
= lim ∙
𝑥→8 𝑥−8 √𝑥+8+4
𝑥+8−16
= lim
𝑥→8 (𝑥−8)(√𝑥+8+4)
𝑥−8
= lim
𝑥→8 (𝑥−8)(√𝑥+8+4)
1
= lim
𝑥→8 √𝑥+8+4
1
=
√8+8+4
1
=
4+4
𝟏
𝒇′(𝟖) =
𝟖
Page 4 of 9
BASIC CALCULUS 3rd Trimester, SY 2023-2024
Governor Pack Road, Baguio City, Philippines 2600
Tel. Nos.: (+6374) 442-3316, 442-8220; 444-2786;
442-2564; 442-8219; 442-8256; Fax No.: 442-6268 Grade Level/Section: GRADE 11 - STEM
Email: email@uc-bcf.edu.ph; Website: www.uc-bcf.edu.ph
Method 2:
𝒇(𝒙 + 𝒉) − 𝒇(𝒙)
𝒎 = 𝐥𝐢𝐦
𝒉→𝟎 𝒉
Where:
f(x+h) = function evaluated as x+h but x will be the point of tangency(x=a)
f(x) = given function evaluated as (x=a)
Examples:
Again, both methods could be used to answer our question. Let us show the two methods in
solving for the slope.
𝒇(𝒙)−𝒇(𝒂)
Using method 1 to identify the slope: 𝒎 = 𝐥𝐢𝐦
𝒙→𝒂 𝒙−𝒂
Solution:
i. First, identify f(a), a in ii. Substitute f(x), f(a) and a in the formula, and solve
the given is 1, thus: using limit theorem
(3𝑥 2 −12𝑥+1)−(−𝟖)
𝑚 = lim substitute the given
f(1) = 3(1)2 – 12(1) + 1 𝑥→1 𝑥−1
= -8
3𝑥 2 −12𝑥+9
𝑚 = lim Simplify
𝑥→1 𝑥−1
3(𝑥−1)(𝑥−3)
m= lim Cancel common factor
𝑥→1 𝑥−1
𝑚 = 3(1 − 3)
Page 5 of 9
BASIC CALCULUS 3rd Trimester, SY 2023-2024
Governor Pack Road, Baguio City, Philippines 2600
Tel. Nos.: (+6374) 442-3316, 442-8220; 444-2786;
442-2564; 442-8219; 442-8256; Fax No.: 442-6268 Grade Level/Section: GRADE 11 - STEM
Email: email@uc-bcf.edu.ph; Website: www.uc-bcf.edu.ph
𝒇(𝒙+𝒉)−𝒇(𝒙)
Using method 2: 𝒎 = 𝐥𝐢𝐦
𝒉→𝟎 𝒉
i. Identify f(x+h)
Since x = 1, therefore f(x+h) is f(1+h)
Evaluate f(1+h) in the function 𝑓(𝑥) = 3𝑥 2 − 12𝑥 + 1
f(1+h) = 3(1+h)2 – 12(1+h) + 1
= 3(1+ 2h+h2) – 12 - 12h + 1
= 3 + 6h + 3h2 – 12 – 12h + 1
f(1+h) = 3h2 – 6h – 8
ii. Evaluate f(x) where x = 1 (based on the given)
f(1) = 3 (1)2 – 12(1) + 1
f(1) = - 8
𝒇(𝒙+𝒉)−𝒇(𝒙)
iii. Substitute f(x+h) and f(x) in the formula 𝐥𝐢𝐦
𝒉→𝟎 𝒉
𝟑𝒉𝟐 −𝟔𝒉−𝟖 −(−𝟖)
𝐥𝐢𝐦
𝒉→𝟎 𝒉
𝟑𝒉𝟐 −𝟔𝒉
𝐥𝐢𝐦 Simplify
𝒉→𝟎 𝒉
𝟑𝒉(𝒉−𝟐)
𝐥𝐢𝐦 Factor out common factor in the numerator
𝒉→𝟎 𝒉
𝟑𝒉(𝒉−𝟐)
𝐥𝐢𝐦 Cancel common factor
𝒉→𝟎 𝒉
= 3(0 – 2)
=-6 Therefore, slope is – 6.
2. What is the equation of the tangent line tangent to𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 + 5 at the point (-1, 11)?
Solution: (for this we will use method 1)
IDENTIFY THE GIVEN SOLVE FOR THE SLOPE SOLVE FOR THE EQUATION
i. First, identify f(a), a in ii. Substitute f(x), f(a) and a in the iii. To solve the equation of the
the given is -1 based formula, and solve using limit tangent line, we will use the
from (-1,11) theorem point-slope formula
𝒚 – 𝒚𝟏 = 𝒎(𝒙 – 𝒙𝟏 )
f(-1) = 2(-1)2 – 4(-1) + 5 𝒇(𝒙) − 𝒇(𝒂)
𝒎 = 𝐥𝐢𝐦
f(-1) = 2 (1) + 4 + 5 𝒙→𝒂 𝒙−𝒂 Where:
f(-1) = 11 (x1,y1) = point of
2𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 + 5 − 11 tangency.
𝑚 = lim
Given: 𝑥→−1 𝑥 − (−1) m = slope
f(x) = 2𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 + 5
f(-1) = 11 2𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 − 6 For this case (x1,y1) is (-1, 11)
𝑚 = lim
a = -1 𝑥→−1 𝑥 + 1 and m = - 8
𝒚 – 𝒚𝟏 = 𝒎(𝒙 – 𝒙𝟏 )
2(𝑥−3)(𝑥+1)
𝑚 = lim 𝑦 − 11 = −8[𝑥 − (−1)]
𝑥→−1 𝑥+1
3. What is the equation of the tangent line to 𝑓(𝑥) = √𝑥 + 9 at the point where x = 0?
Solution: (use method 1)
IDENTIFY THE GIVEN SOLVE FOR THE SLOPE SOLVE FOR THE EQUATION
i. First, identify f(a), a is zero ii. Substitute f(x), f(a) and a in iii. To solve the equation of the
the formula, and solve tangent line, we will use the
f(0) = √0 + 9 using limit theorem point-slope formula
f(0) = √9 𝒚 – 𝒚𝟏 = 𝒎(𝒙 – 𝒙𝟏 )
f(0) = 3 𝒇(𝒙) − 𝒇(𝒂)
𝒎 = 𝐥𝐢𝐦
𝒙→𝒂 𝒙−𝒂 *we don’t have y1, however if we
Given: will evaluate x= 0 in the function
√𝑥 + 9 − 3 then y = 3, thus (x1,y1) is (0,3) and
f(x) = √𝑥 + 9 𝑚 = lim
𝑥→0 𝑥−0 m = 1/6.
f(0) = 3
a =0 Rationalize the numerator Determine the equation of the
𝑚= lim
√𝑥+9−3 √𝑥+9+3
∙ tangent line:
𝑥→0 𝑥 √𝑥+9+3 1
𝑦 − 3 = (𝑥 − 0)
6
Multiply the conjugate 𝟏
𝑚 = lim
𝑥+9−9 𝒚= 𝒙+𝟑
𝑥→0 𝑥(√𝑥+9+3)
𝟔
Simplify
𝑥
𝑚 = lim
𝑥→0 𝑥( √𝑥+9+3)
1
𝑚 = lim
𝑥→0 √𝑥 +9+3
Evaluate the limit at x = 0
1
𝑚=
√0+9+3
1
𝑚=
√9 + 3
1
𝑚=
3+3
𝟏
𝒎=
𝟔
𝟏
𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒆, slope is
𝟔
Page 7 of 9
BASIC CALCULUS 3rd Trimester, SY 2023-2024
Governor Pack Road, Baguio City, Philippines 2600
Tel. Nos.: (+6374) 442-3316, 442-8220; 444-2786;
442-2564; 442-8219; 442-8256; Fax No.: 442-6268 Grade Level/Section: GRADE 11 - STEM
Email: email@uc-bcf.edu.ph; Website: www.uc-bcf.edu.ph
4. Find the equation of the tangent line, tangent to 𝑓(𝑥) = √25 − 𝑥 2 at the point where 𝑥 = 4.
IDENTIFY THE GIVEN SOLVE FOR THE SLOPE SOLVE FOR THE
i. First, identify f(a), a is 4 ii. Substitute f(x), f(a) and a in the formula, EQUATION
and solve using limit theorem iii. To solve the equation
f(4) = √𝟐𝟓 − (𝟒)𝟐 𝒇(𝒙) − 𝒇(𝒂) of the tangent line, we
𝒎 = 𝐥𝐢𝐦
f(4) = √9 𝒙→𝒂 𝒙−𝒂 will use the point-slope
f(4) = 3 formula
√25 − 𝑥 2 − 3 𝒚 – 𝒚𝟏 = 𝒎(𝒙 – 𝒙𝟏 )
𝑚 = lim
Given: 𝑥→4 𝑥−4
*we don’t have y1,
f(x) = √𝟐𝟓 − 𝒙𝟐 Rationalize the numerator by multiplying the
however if we will evaluate
f(4) = 3 conjugate of the numerator
x= 4 in the function then y
a =4 √25 − 𝑥 2 − 3 √25 − 𝑥 2 + 3 = 3, thus (x1,y1) is (4,3) and
𝑚 = lim ∙
𝑥→4 𝑥−4 √25 − 𝑥 2 + 3 m=
−𝟒
.
𝟑
Multiply
25 − 𝑥 2 − 9 *Equation of the tangent
𝑚 = lim
𝑥→4 (𝑥 − 4)(√25 − 𝑥2 + 3) line:
Simplify 4
𝑦 − 3 = − (𝑥 − 4)
−𝑥 2 + 16 3
𝑚 = lim
𝑥→4 (𝑥 − 4)(√25 − 𝑥 2 + 3) 4 16
𝑦=− 𝑥+ +3
3 3
Factor the numerator and cancel common factor
−(𝑥 + 4)(𝑥 − 4) 𝟒 𝟐𝟓
𝑚 = lim 𝒚=− 𝒙+
𝑥→4 (𝑥 − 4)(√25 − 𝑥 2 + 3) 𝟑 𝟑
−(𝑥+4)
𝑚 = lim
𝑥→4 √25−𝑥 2 +3
Page 8 of 9
BASIC CALCULUS 3rd Trimester, SY 2023-2024
Governor Pack Road, Baguio City, Philippines 2600
Tel. Nos.: (+6374) 442-3316, 442-8220; 444-2786;
442-2564; 442-8219; 442-8256; Fax No.: 442-6268 Grade Level/Section: GRADE 11 - STEM
Email: email@uc-bcf.edu.ph; Website: www.uc-bcf.edu.ph
References:
Balmaceda, J. M. et al. (2016). Teaching guide for senior high school: Basic calculus. Quezon City:
CHED
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