The topic I'm talking about is taking the derivative of a graph. For ex, if that slope I found was m=-1. What do I use the slope for. Is it to see if it's increasing or decreasing? Plz help .
2007-05-06 15:35:10 · 2 answers · asked by ruby 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Mathematics
It is just the measure of instantaneous change at that particular point--useful for various purposes.
2007-05-06 15:39:14 · answer #1 · answered by bruinfan 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The derivative that you are talking about is just the slope at one certain point where a tangent hits the graphed parabola or curve. The derivative can tell you things about a curve especially the curve's relation to another curve. For example, the derivative of the curve x at point (3,6) could be say m=4. The derivative of curve y at point (4,7) could be m=7. If you take derivatives of other points on the line then you can compare the change in derivative from one line to the other. This can help you with other various problems in calculus.
2007-05-06 22:48:57 · answer #2 · answered by akhulhan 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋