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BC Activity On Gradient Functions

The document provides an overview of how to find the gradient of a straight line and a curve, specifically using the example of the curve y = x^2. It explains the limitations of estimating the gradient by drawing tangents and introduces differentiation as a more accurate method. Additionally, it includes instructions for an investigation using a GeoGebra tool to calculate gradients at various points on the curve.

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Honorato G. Perez III
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17 views2 pages

BC Activity On Gradient Functions

The document provides an overview of how to find the gradient of a straight line and a curve, specifically using the example of the curve y = x^2. It explains the limitations of estimating the gradient by drawing tangents and introduces differentiation as a more accurate method. Additionally, it includes instructions for an investigation using a GeoGebra tool to calculate gradients at various points on the curve.

Uploaded by

Honorato G. Perez III
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Recognition No. E-079 s.

2013
St. Rose of Lima Catholic School, Inc. Recognition No. E-102 s. 2016
Recognition No. S-014 s. 1987
Rizal (Poblacion), Santa Rosa, Nueva Ecija Govt Permit SHSP No. 230 s. 2015
(044) 940 78 34 | [email protected] Govt Permit SHSP No. 076 s. 2017

GRADIENT FUNCTIONS

Recall that the gradient (slope) of a straight line by using the following formula:

vertical change rise 𝑦2 − 𝑦1


Gradient of a straight line = 𝑜𝑟 𝑜𝑟
horizontal change run 𝑥2 − 𝑥1

In addition, we can find the slope of a curve at a point by drawing a tangent to the curve at that point
before finding the gradient of the tangent. For example, to find the gradient of the curve 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 at the
point 𝑃(1,1), we have to plot the curve on a sheet of graphing paper, then draw the tangent to the
curve at the point 𝑃(1,1). Finally, we find the gradient of the tangent line using the above formula for
the gradient of a straight line.

What happens if we want to find the slope of the curve 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 at another point 𝑄(2,4)?

Is this method of finding the gradient of a curve at any point by drawing a tangent each time very
tedious?

Moreover, the answer obtained is only an estimate due to the inaccuracy of plotting the points on a
curve and drawing a tangent.

Therefore, there is a need to learn a more accurate method of finding the gradient of a curve at any
point. This method is called differentiation.
Recognition No. E-079 s. 2013
St. Rose of Lima Catholic School, Inc. Recognition No. E-102 s. 2016
Recognition No. S-014 s. 1987
Rizal (Poblacion), Santa Rosa, Nueva Ecija Govt Permit SHSP No. 230 s. 2015
(044) 940 78 34 | [email protected] Govt Permit SHSP No. 076 s. 2017

Investigation:

Go to https://www.geogebra.org/m/s6Kq2cyv as shown below:

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Click on the point 𝑷 and drag to change the point of contact between the curve and the
tangent. Copy and complete the table below to find the gradient of the curve 𝒚 = 𝒙𝟐 at the
point 𝑷.

𝒙-coordinate of 𝑷 −𝟒 −𝟑 −𝟑 −𝟏 𝟎 𝟏 𝟐 𝟑 𝟒
Gradient of curve at 𝑷

2. Find the general formula, in terms of 𝒙, for the gradient (slope) of the curve 𝒚 = 𝒙𝟐 at any point
𝑷(𝒙, 𝒚).

3. Using the formula in question 2, find the gradient of the curve 𝒚 = 𝒙𝟐 at (𝟓, 𝟐𝟓) and at (−𝟔, 𝟑𝟔).

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