How do I find the instantaneous slope at a point. I just need a brief explanation.

Question

wolf1728 · Answer

Take the derivative at that point.

mrnood · Answer

If the line is a straight line then the slope is constant at all points on the line.

If you have an equation for the line y=f(x) then take the derivative (dy/dx  or f'(x) )

Take the value of x at which you want the slope and put that value in the equation for f'(x).  Evaluate that equation and that is the value of the slope at that point

mrnood · Answer

for example 

y=f(x)=x^2
dy/dx = f'(x) = 2x

at the point x=2.5  f'(2.5)= 2(2.5)= 5

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