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Function Differentiability

Instructions

Use this dynamic activity to explore the function differentiability. You can change the value of point c by filling in the box or dragging the slider. There are two ways to approach the Secant Slope Function at point c (SSFc): when xc or when h0. Explore these two approaches.

Reflection Questions

1. For the xc approach, what is the simplified Secant Slope Function using x and c? Try substitute a specific value of c say c=1 into the SSF, what is the derivative value at point c as f'(c)? Check if your answer match the f'(c) point shown on the graph. Drag the slider of x and c, what is the relation between the Secant Slope Function and the Derivative Function f'(c) (not a singular derivative value at a certain point c, but any point c)? 2. For the h0 approach, what is the simplified Scant Slope Function using c and h? Try substitute a specific value of c say c=1 into the SSF, what is the derivative value at point c as f'(c)? Does that match what you have found in the first question? Drag the slider of c and observe the trace of f'(c) dynamically, what is the relation between the Secant Slope Function and the Derivative Function f'(c)?