SecantSlopeExplorer
- Author:
- Warren Koepp
This tool allows you to input a function f(x) (initially set as x2), fix a base point B on its graph, and then see how moving a variable point A on the graph changes "h" (the horizontal distance between A and B) and the slope "m" of the secant line connecting the two points.
Input your function in the indicated input box (if you want to explore a different function).
Use the slider to change the base point (B's) x-coordinate, i.e. x_0.
The point B is (x_0, f(x_0)); the red point A is at coordinates
(x_0 + h, f(x_0 + h)). The value of "h" is displayed in blue, and the slope m of the segment connecting A and B is displayed in brown. The directed length "h" is illustrated by the blue segment on the x-axis. When A is to the left of B this h is negative; and it is positive when A is to the right of B.