MARY WARD CATHOLIC SECONDARY SCHOOL

MCV 4U
CALCULUS & VECTORS

UNIT 8

THE SLOPE FUNCTION

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Unit 8

The Slope Function

EXPECTATIONS: A 1.1, A 1.2, A 1.3
Sketch, by hand, the slope function
Demonstrate that the slope of a secant to a curve represents an
average rate of change
Demonstrate that the slope of a tangent to a curve represents the
instantaneous rate change of the function at that point
Use graphing technology to determine instantaneous rate of
change demonstrate an understanding of secants & tangents
Use the Tangent Operation of the graphing calculator to draw a
tangent to a point on a curve
TEXT REFERENCE:
Calculus & Vectors (Nelson)
Calculus & Advanced functions, MGH

1.2, 1.6
3.1, 3.2, 3.3

ASEESSMENT / EVALUATION

A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J

ACTIVITY
KTCA
The Slope Function
T, C
The Slope Function (Again)
T, C
Interactive Graphing Technology
K, A
More Slope Function
K, A
Using Calculator to Find Slope Function
K, A
From Secants to Tangents
T, C
Squeeze Theorem
K, A
From Secant To Tangent (Again)
K, A
Interactive Graphing Technology
K, A
Funny Tangents
T, C
Seminar
T, C
Total estimated time (in school and at home)

Mary Ward C S S 2012

Author: H. Kopach

TIME
1h
1h
1h
1h
1h
1h
1h
1h
1h
1h
1h
11 h +

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WHAT IS CALCULUS?
What is calculus?
1. The study of the functions and the slopes of functions (differential
calculus)
2. The study of the areas under these curves (integral calculus)
Calculus is a tool in the study of demographics (populations), motion,
economics, and business (in particular optimization).
In this course we will concentrate on differential calculus.

Two mathematicians can be thought of as the

fathers of calculus. The Englishman Sir Isaac
Newton (1642 1727) is a familiar name from prior
studies in science. We will be using the Newton
Quotient in the study of limits.

The German mathematician was Gottfried Wilhelm

Leibniz (1647 1716). We will be using Leibniz notation
in the study of derivatives.
These two men, who lived in the eighteenth century,
were bitter rivals but their legacy lives on.

Mary Ward C S S 2012

Author: H. Kopach

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THE SLOPE FUNCTION

EXAMPLE
2

Sketch the graph of y = x in your graphing

calculator using an appropriate window.

Using the
and Tangent operations,
find the slope of the tangent line to the curve at

x = -4

From the equations of the tangent line

y = -8x -16
we know that the slope is -8.
We will define an ordered pair with the independent
variable being x, and the dependent variable being
m.
Thus (x,m) = (-4, -8)
Repeat finding the slope of the tangent for different
values of x :

x {4, 2,0,1,2}

Record your results in a table of values. Enter these

into your graphing calculator as lists

Mary Ward C S S 2012

Author: H. Kopach

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2

Deselect the equation y = x . Graph the data using

the STAT PLOT
feature and a suitable window. The new graph, the
slope function, appears to be linear.
Turn DIAGNOSTICS on. Using Regression Analysis, find
the equation of the line of best fit.

The new function, the slope function, is clearly a

linear function (since r = 1 there is a 100 % fit) with
the equation y = 2x
The original function has even symmetry, whereas
the slope function has odd symmetry.

Assignment A. THE SLOPE FUNCTION

Using your graphing calculator, repeat the above steps for the functions:

y = x, y = x3, y x
Summarize your results in the following categories :
a) graph of original function; symmetry
b) table of values (x,m)
c) graph of slope function; symmetry
d) equation of slope function (obtained by regression analysis)
(answers at the back of the unit guide).

Mary Ward C S S 2012

Author: H. Kopach

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THE SLOPE FUNCTION (AGAIN)

We will start with the graph of a function, and by examining
the hills,
valleys,
intervals of increase,
intervals of decrease, and
concavity,
draw a second graph directly below the first one.
The second function we will call the slope function.
When we talk about the slope of a graph y = f(x) at a point x, what we
will mean is the slope of the tangent to the graph at the point. It is a
convenient use of language.
When the graph is curved, then the slope
m of the curve will change from point to
point. That is m, will depend on x:
m is a function of x.
This slope function has a special name.
It is called the derivative of the function f
and is written f (x).
Note that f

(x) = m(x)

Thus, the derivative of the function f is the function f (say f

prime)which associates to each x the slope m of the f -graph at x.
If f (t) represents a quantity (volume, revenue, distance) which is changing
with time t, then f (t) gives the instantaneous rate of change of this
quantity.
For example, if s =s (t) is distance traveled at time t, then v= s (t) is
velocity at time t.

Mary Ward C S S 2012

Author: H. Kopach

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EXAMPLE 1
At the right is the graph y = f (x).
Directly beneath, draw the
graph of the derivative f (x).
Use vertical lines to show the
relationship between the graphs
at certain special points.
Solution
Just keep in mind that the
height of the f -graph is
the slope of the
f -graph.

x value
x=0
x (0, a)
x=a
x (a, b)
x=b

x (b, c)

x=c
x (c, d )
x=d

x (d , )

Original function, f
is increasing
increases, concaves
down
Hill point
decreases

Slope function, f
slope is positive
slope is positive, but
decreasing
the slope here becomes zero
slope is negative

Inflection point (change minimum Valley point

in concavity from
concave-down, to
concave-up)
decreases, concaves up slope is negative, but
increasing
Valley Point
the slope here becomes zero
Increases, concaves up slope is positive
Inflection point (change
in concavity from
concave-up, to
concave-down)
approaches the slant
asymptote

Mary Ward C S S 2012
Author: H. Kopach

maximum Hill point

the slope approaches a

horizontal asymptote
(constant positive value)

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EXAMPLE 2
In each case blow, you are given the graph of a function f (x).
The (b) graph is obtained from the (a) graph by reflecting the right half
in the y-axis.
Directly beneath each graph, draw the graph of the derivative f (x),
using vertical lines to show the relationship between the graphs at certain
special points.

Discuss any symmetry properties of the pairs of graphs.

Solution
Below each graph, we have drawn the graph of the derivative. There
are a couple of features worthy of note.
A Corner.
The (b)-graph has a corner at x = 0 and this causes a jump in the
derivative graph at the point. A jump in slope of f means a jump in
height of f . Note the little open circles (donut holes) which indicate
that f (x) has no value at x = 0. The derivative is not defined at
corners.
Mary Ward C S S 2012
Author: H. Kopach

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Symmetry.
Each of the two top graphs exhibit some
nice symmetry, but of a different kind. The
(b)-graph is bilaterally symmetric about
the
y-axis,
and the (a)-graph exhibits what is called
antisymmetry .

Bilateral symmetry
Mirror symmetry
Symmetry about the y-axis

f(x) = f(-x)

Antisymmetry
Rotational symmetry
Symmetry about the origin

f(x) = - f(-x)

The interesting thing is that the two derivative graphs exhibit the same
two types of symmetry but in the opposite order: the slope graph on
the left is bilaterally symmetric, and the slope graph on the right is
antisymmetric.
Is there a general result here: if f has one kind of symmetry, f has the
other?

Mary Ward C S S 2012

Author: H. Kopach

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Assignment B. THE SLOPE FUNCTION (AGAIN)

Sketch each of the twelve graphs (a-l) and directly below each graph draw the slope
function using the concepts from Examples 1 2. Then match with the correct graph
(A L) of its derivative.

Mary Ward C S S 2012

Author: H. Kopach

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(answers at the back of the unit guide).

Assignment C : USING GRAPHING TECHNOLOGY

Check the internet for the slope function: click and drag interactive technology.
Unfortunately websites change with time. When you find a suitable application, please
share with your classmates.

Mary Ward C S S 2012
Author: H. Kopach

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Assignment D. MORE SLOPE FUNCTION

Calculus & Vectors ( Green Book)
Calculus & Advanced Functions (Blue Book)
p 75 # 15
p 194
#1-4

Now that you understand the basics, you can use a graphing calculator
to find the slope function from a given function.

Assignment E. USING CALCULATOR TO FIND SLOPE FUNCTION

3

1. Enter the function y = x 2x 5x + 5 into

x [5,5], y [10,10]
Graph.
2. Sketch the cubic function into your notebook, labeling hill & valley points. Use
green to sketch the intervals where the function is increasing, and red to sketch
where the function is decreasing.
3. Draw a set of x & y axes directly below your sketch. Using the techniques learned
in Assignment B, draw the slope function.
4. Use your calculator. Find the Derivative Function, and enter into your calculator
as Y2 to draw the slope function on your calculator.

5. Compare your sketch (obtained in # 3) to that obtained from the graphing

calculator (in # 4). They should be the same.
6. Repeat steps # 1 5 for the three functions from assignment A

y = x, y = x3, y x

Mary Ward C S S 2012

Author: H. Kopach

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FROM SLOPES OF SECANTS TO SLOPES OF TANGENTS

The word secant comes from the Latin word to cut. A secant is a straight
line, which cuts a curve at two points. The most important feature of a
secant is its slope.
2

Consider the function y = x . We know that

P (1, 1) is a point on the curve since it satisfies
the equation. We will consider P (1, 1) a
fixed point of reference.

Q (2, 4)

We know that Q (2, 4) is also on the curve.

We will draw the secant line PQ.
We will call Q the traveling point. Q will
move along the curve closer and closer to P.
With each new Q, we get a different secant.
The slope of each secant will be evaluated
using the slope formula.

As Q comes nearer to P (the fixed point of reference), the slope of the

secant line becomes closer and closer to 2

Mary Ward C S S 2012
Author: H. Kopach

P (1, 1)

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Assignment F. FROM SECANTS TO TANGENT

(Graphing calculator activity)
2

1. Enter y = x into the equations editor Y=

2. Go to STAT EDIT 1: Edit
3. Into L1 enter different x values for the traveling
point Q :
2, 1.5, 1.25, 1.1, 1.01, 1.001, and 1.0001
4. Into L2 enter y values for Q. Go to the extreme
2
top of the column. You want y = x so enter L12.
You should see corresponding y values
generated.
The y values should get closer to the y value of the fixed point
(y = 1).
5. Into L3 we will calculate y or y2 y1 . Go to the extreme top, and
enter L2 1
6. Into L4 we will calculate x or x2 x1 . Go to the
extreme top, and enter L1 1. What happens to
the numbers in this column?
y
. Go to
x
the extreme top, and enter L3 L4 . What happens to the numbers
in this column? Explain.

7. Into L5 we will calculate the slope m

8. State your observations and conclusion. Consider the traveling point

Q moving closer and closer to the fixed point P (1,1).
In # 3 above, the traveling point Q started at (2, 4), to the right of the
fixed point P (1, 1). We generated a FORWARD SECANT.
Now we will consider a BACKWARD SECANT: Q will be to the left of the
fixed point P.

Mary Ward C S S 2012

Author: H. Kopach

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9. Into List 1 L1 enter different x values for Q :

0, 0.5, 0.75, 0.9, 0.99, 0.999, 0.9999 and 0.99999
10. Repeat steps 4 8.
11. Now GRAPH the function, using a suitable window. Find the slope
of the tangent line by using the TANGENT OPERATION on your
calculator: 2nd PRGM DRAW 5: Tangent. Enter 1 (x=1) to draw the
tangent line at x=1. From the equation of the tangent line, what is
the slope of the tangent?

Thus, we can use the slope of a secant line to determine the slope of a
tangent by sliding the secant closer and closer to a tangent line. The main
idea behind this procedure is that of a limit. As the travelling point gets
closer and closer to the fixed point we can say that the slope of the
secant is approaching a limiting value.
The word tangent comes from the Latin word tangens, which means
touching. When the backward secant rotates counter clockwise or the
forward secant rotates clockwise, about the fixed reference point P, a
tangent is obtained.
The more you squeeze the domain, the closer the slope of the secant
gets to the slope of the tangent. This gives rise to the

Squeeze or Sandwich Theorem

For a function f (x) which is increasing
Slope of backward secant < slope of tangent < slope of forward secant

1.9999

<

<

Mary Ward C S S 2012

Author: H. Kopach

2.0001

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Assignment G. USING SQUEEZE THEOREM TO FIND THE TANGENT

2

The fixed reference point P (1, 3) lies on the curve y= 2x+ x

2

1. If Q is the traveling point (x, 2x+x ), find the slope of

the secant line PQ for the following values of x:
2, 1.5, 1.1, 1.01, 1.001 and 1.0001
2.

Using the results of part (a), use the Squeeze Theorem

to determine the value of the slope of the forward
tangent line to the curve at P (1,3)

3. Repeat by placing Q to the left of P. Find the

Backward Tangent
4. Using the slope from part (b)and (c) find the equation
of the tangent line to the curve at P(1,3)
5. Verify your answer in (d) by using Tangent operation
on your graphing calculator
6.

Sketch the curve, labeling intercepts and vertex.

Draw one backward secant (in red) one forward
secant (in green) and tangent line (in blue)

H. FROM SECANT TO TANGENT (Again)

Calculus & Vectors (green book)

Read

p 12 - 15

p 19

#7
# 20 (use graphing calculator)

Calculus & Advanced Function (blue book)

Read pp 120 - 127
p 127
#1
#2 e
#3

Mary Ward C S S 2012

Author: H. Kopach

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Assignment I : USING GRAPHING TECHNOLOGY

Check the internet for the secants to tangents: click and drag interactive technology.
Unfortunately websites change with time. When you find a suitable application, please
share with your classmates.

FUNNY TANGENTS
Crucial insight can be obtained form a study of pathology: examples in
which things go wrong greatly aid our understanding of normal behavior
EXAMPLE 1: A Corner.
A ball, falling vertically, hits a cement floor with speed 5m/s and
bounces vertically upwards, leaving the floor with speed 2m/s. Draw
the distance time graph of the ball and discuss the slope of the
graph of the bounce point. So we dont have to worry about the
deformation of the ball, and so on, assume that the ball has zero
radius (i.e., is a single point), and that the change in velocity at the
bounce is instantaneous.
Solution
The s-t graph is made up of
two parabolas: the ball
changes from one to the
other at the bounce point.
The slope of the graph is the
velocity of the graph. If we
take the positive direction to
be up, then the velocity of
the ball is -5 as it arrives at the
floor, and +2 as it leaves the
floor. These are the slopes of
the two component
parabolas at the bounce
point.

Mary Ward C S S 2012

Author: H. Kopach

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How are we to describe the slope of the s-t graph at the bounce
point? It seems reasonable to say that, going forward in time, the
slope is 2, and going backward in time the slope is -5. Thus, at the
bounce points, we have two one-sided slopes, and they are
different.
In General
The forward slope of the graph at a point is the slope going
forward from the point. If we calculate the slope by taking
the limiting slopes of secants, we look only at secants going
forward from the point.

The backward slope of the graph at a point is the slope going

backward from the point. If we calculate the slope by
taking the limiting slopes of secants, we look only at secants
going backward from the point.

If the forward and the backward slopes are different at a

point, we say that we have a corner.

a corner is formed when two straight lines join at an angle, whereas a

cusp is formed when two curves join at an angle. (The angle is the one
between their tangents at the point of contact.)

Mary Ward C S S 2012

Author: H. Kopach

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EXAMPLE 2 : A Corner
Consider the absolute value
function
f(x) = |x3 - 8|.
This can be rewritten as a
piecewise function

( x3 8), x 2

f ( x) 3

( x 8), x 2

Enter the absolute value function into your

graphing calculator. Use the nDeriv feature to
sketch the derivative function

Before you graph the slope function, set your

calculator to dot mode.
You will get a jump discontinuity. If your
calculator is in connected mode, the graph
will appear (mistakenly) to be continuous.
Hence
2

3x , x 2
f '( x) 2

3x , x 2

show that f'(2)

fact, we have left
with

Direct calculations
does not exist. In
and right derivatives

The phenomenon this function shows at x=2 is called a corner.

Mary Ward C S S 2012
Author: H. Kopach

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EXAMPLE 3 : A Cusp
Consider with the function y x

2
3

at x = 0. Note that this function is

also defined for all x, positive and
negative.

Solution

Find the Derivative Function. Remember to

use Dot Mode.

There is a discontinuity in the slope function

graph. However, there is a vertical asymptote
at x =0.
This function shows asymptotic behaviour.
You can find the values of the derivative
function to the right and left of x =0 by
evaluating the function for x values
immediately to the right and left of 0.

So we have

Mary Ward C S S 2012

Author: H. Kopach

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We can also evaluate the slope of the secant algebraically.

The slope of the secant between 0 and h is

h3 03
h
2

h3

h
1
1
h3
When h is close to 0, the denominator is
close to zero, and the expression is very
large.
Positive values of h give large positive
values.
Negative values of h give large negative
values.

for h positive, the limit is plus infinity

Let h = 0.000001

1
h

1
3

1
1

(0.000001) 3
100

Let h = 0.000001
1
1

1
1
3
h
(0.000001) 3
100
lim f '(h)
h 0

for h negative, the limit is minus infinity

lim f '(h)

h 0

Thus the forward and the backward slopes are both infinite, but with
opposite sign.
This is a special kind of corner known as a cusp.

Mary Ward C S S 2012

Author: H. Kopach

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EXAMPLE 4- A JUMP
The Heaviside step function is a discontinuous function whose value is zero
for negative argument and one for positive argument. The function is used
in the mathematics of control theory and signal processing to represent a
signal that switches on at a specified time and stays switched on
indefinitely. It was named after the English electrical engineer Oliver
Heaviside.

0, x 0,
H [ x]
1, x 0,

Your job is to examine the slope situation at the jump-point x = 0

Write expressions for the slopes of the general forward and backward
secants from x = 0. By taking the limit as h approaches zero, calculate the
forward and backward slopes of the graph at x = 0.
Solution
Let h be a value of x near x = 0.
The expression for the general secant from x=0 is

H (h) H (0) H (h)

h
h
Since H(0) = 0 we get forward secants by taking h positive, and
backward secants by taking h negative.
Let h be a value of x on the positivie x axis.
Forward (h > 0)

H ( h) 1

h
h
Mary Ward C S S 2012
Author: H. Kopach

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As h approaches zero, this expression approaches plus infinity. Short

forward secants are nearly vertical.
Let h be a value of x on the negative x axis.

H ( h) 0
0
h
h

Backward (h < 0)

Backward secants always have slope zero.

We conclude that, at x = 0, the forward slope is + and the
backward slope is 0.

EXAMPLE 5 : A Vertical Tangent
1

The function f ( x) x 3 is defined for all x

(every number, positive or negative, has a
unique cube root).
Note the vertical tangent at x = 0

Write down the general expression for the slope of the secant
between x = 0 and x = h. Simplify it and take the limit as h
approaches zero from above and from below. Thus find the forward
slope and the backward slope at the origin. Use this to help you
draw a picture of the graph of the function.

Solution
The formula

f (h) f (0)
h

will give the slope of the secant between 0

and h
for h both positive and negative.
Mary Ward C S S 2012
Author: H. Kopach

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In this case we get

1

h3 03
h

1
3

h
h
1
h

2
3

where we have simplified the expression so we can see what

happens as h approaches zero.
If h is close to 0, the denominator is close to zero, and the expression
is very large.
Furthermore, the expression is always
2

positive (since h 3 is a square) and so the

end behaviour, as h approaches zero,
through both positive and negative
values, is plus infinity. The slope at the
origin must be + .
Note the vertical asymptote for the
slope function at x = 0

Assignment J. FUNNY TANGENTS

Calculus & Advanced Functions (blue
Calculus & Vectors (Green book)
book)
Read

p 60 (bottom)

p 21 # 18
Draw each function and the corresponding
slope function directly below
p 52

p 196
# 13 (Must use Case 1, Case 2)
#16
#17

# 7, 8, 11

Mary Ward C S S 2012
Author: H. Kopach

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Answers to Assignments :
A
Linear regression : y =0
2
quadratic regression: y = x
-0.5
power regression: y = 0.5 x

Solutions : a-E b-K c-D e-F f-J

6.

x 0

g-C

h-L i-A

7. Slope of secant 2

Mary Ward C S S 2012

Author: H. Kopach

j-L

k-B

l-H

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Mary Ward C S S 2012

Author: H. Kopach