First Principles of Differentiation
Explore the definition of derivative through interactive visualization.
First Principles
Exploring derivatives as the limit of secant slopes.
Variables
Position (x)1.00
Offset (h)1.50
Slope Calculation
Δy = f(x+h) - f(x)0.5070
Slope (m)0.3380
Analysis
SECANT LINE
Guide
- Drag the red point () toward to see .
- Watch the derivative graph below plot the instantaneous slope.
Function & Secant / Tangent Line
y = f(x)
The First Derivative Graph
f'(x) = cos(x) + 0.5y = f'(x)