Section 12.3
The Tangent Line Problem When you find the derivative you are finding the slope of the graph. Formula for the derivative of a function:
The Tangent Line Problem Steps for using the formula to find the derivative: Plug in x + h for every x in the function. Subtract the function Simplify the numerator. Factor an h out of what you have left in the numerator.
The Tangent Line Problem Steps for using the formula for finding the derivative: (continued) Cancel the h you factored out with the h in the denominator. Plug in zero for any remaining h’s. Simplify your answer. If you are given an ordered pair, plug in the x-value for any x’s you still have.