MA 3972-MA-Book April 11, 2018 15:14CHAPTER
10
Big Idea 2: Derivatives
More Applications
of Derivatives
IN THIS CHAPTER
Summary:Finding an equation of a tangent is one of the most common questions on
the AP Calculus AB exam. In this chapter, you will learn how to use derivatives to find
an equation of a tangent and to use the tangent line to approximate the value of a
function at a specific point. You will also learn to apply derivatives to solve rectilinear
motion problems.
Key Ideas
KEY IDEA !Tangent and Normal Lines
!Linear Approximations
!Motion Along a Line10.1 Tangent and Normal Lines
Main Concepts:Tangent Lines, Normal LinesTangent Lines
If the functionyis differentiable atx=a, then the slope of the tangent line to the graph of
yatx=ais given asm(tangent atx=a)=
dy
dx∣
∣∣
∣x=a.202