LESSON 2

DERIVATIVE, RATE OF
CHANGE, AND SLOPE
 Derivative
 The derivative of a function is the ratio of the
increment of the function to the increment of the
independent variable when the latter increment
varies and approaches zero as a limit.
Consider, and taking the increment on both
sides, and denoting as the increment in x, and
as the increment in y,
 Derivative
 Hence,

is the measure of the rate at which y is

changing with respect to x for the interval
 Derivative
Suppose x is regarded as fixed and then let vary and
approach zero, then

Therefore,

The process of find of finding the derivative of a function

is called differentiation.
 Derivative
To find the Derivative by Limit Process or by Increment
Method, use

The notation is read as “ the derivative of y with

respect to x” or simply “dy , dx”
Other notations used to denote the derivative of
Slope of a Curve
Let P and Q be any two
distinct points of the
curve y = f(x). The line PQ
is a secant line. If P is
fixed and Q is made to
approach P along y = f(x),
the secant line PQ
approaches a definite line
PT as a limit. This line is
called the Tangent Line to
the curve at point P.
 Slope of a Curve
Let y = f(x), be the equation of the curve and let (x, y)
and (x + Δx, y + Δy) be the coordinates of P and Q
respectively. From the figure of the line, of the slope
of the secant line PQ is . Sine the slope of

the tangent line PT is the limit of as Q approaches

P, that is, as Δx approaches zero, then
the slope (m) of the tangent line at P (x, ) is
 Derivative, Rate of Change,
and Slope
Examples: Find the 5) Find the slope of the tangent
derivative by Increment line to the curve
Method.
1) 6) Find an equation of the
tangent line to the graph of
2) at the given point.

3)

4)