Table of contents

0. Functions7h 52m
1. Limits and Continuity2h 2m
2. Intro to Derivatives1h 33m
3. Techniques of Differentiation3h 18m
4. Applications of Derivatives2h 38m
5. Graphical Applications of Derivatives6h 2m
6. Derivatives of Inverse, Exponential, & Logarithmic Functions2h 37m
7. Antiderivatives & Indefinite Integrals1h 26m
8. Definite Integrals4h 44m
9. Graphical Applications of Integrals2h 27m
- Area Between Curves
  1h 18m
- Introduction to Volume & Disk Method
  1h 8m
10. Physics Applications of Integrals 3h 16m
- Kinematics
  1h 13m
- Work
  2h 3m
11. Integrals of Inverse, Exponential, & Logarithmic Functions2h 34m
12. Techniques of Integration7h 39m
13. Intro to Differential Equations2h 55m
14. Sequences & Series5h 36m
15. Power Series2h 19m
- Introduction to Power Series
  1h 9m
- Taylor Series & Taylor Polynomials
  1h 10m
16. Parametric Equations & Polar Coordinates7h 58m

2. Intro to Derivatives

Derivatives as Functions

Calculus

2. Intro to Derivatives

Derivatives as Functions

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Multiple Choice

Which of the following best describes the derivative of a function $f$ at a point $x = a$ ?

The value of

f

x = a

The slope of the tangent line to the graph of

f

x = a

The y-intercept of the tangent line to the graph of

f

x = a

The area under the curve of

f

from

0

a

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Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Understand the concept of a derivative. The derivative of a function f at a point x = a represents the instantaneous rate of change of the function at that point. It is mathematically defined as the limit of the difference quotient as the interval approaches zero.

Step 2: Recall the geometric interpretation of the derivative. The derivative at x = a corresponds to the slope of the tangent line to the graph of the function f at that specific point.

Step 3: Compare the given options. The value of f at x = a refers to the function's output at that point, not the derivative. The y-intercept of the tangent line is unrelated to the derivative, and the area under the curve from 0 to a is related to integration, not differentiation.

Step 4: Identify the correct description. The derivative of f at x = a is best described as the slope of the tangent line to the graph of f at x = a.

Step 5: Conclude that understanding the derivative as the slope of the tangent line is fundamental to grasping its role in calculus and its applications in analyzing functions.