Local Linearization (Tangent Line at a point)

When the derivative of a function y=f(x) at a point x=a exists, it guarantees the existence of the tangent line at that point. Nearby the point of tangency, the graph of f(x) looks like the tangent line at the point (a, f(a)). This result is expressed by saying that nearby x=a, the values of f(x) are approximately the same as the values of the tangent line at x=a, or that 2

Graphs of f(x) and Its Tangent Line nearby x=2 In the following slides look at the difference between the values of f(x) and the values of the tangent line at x=2 for values of x “close” to 2 3

What is the largest distance between the function and its tangent line? __________ What is the largest error made if the tangent line is used to estimate values of the function? _______ The estimates using the tangent line are under or overestimate? _____________ How do you know? 4

What is the largest error made if the tangent line is used to estimate values of the function? _______ 5

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What happens with the error made if the tangent line is used to estimate values of the function? 7

Estimating Values Using the Tangent Line Use linearization of y=x 2 to estimate o o o

9 For use the the tangent line at the point (3,9) Equation of tangent line at (3,9) is _____________________ Estimate the value of the tangent line at x=3.3 Is it an overestimate/underestimate? Use the sign of y”(3) to determine whether the tangent line is above or below y=x 2 nearby x=3 Do the other estimates

Exercise Estimate the value of using linear approximations Choose a function to work (from the basic ones) Choose the point at which you want to find the tangent line line (easy to work with) Find the linearization of the function at that point and use it to estimate your answer Is your answer an over/underestimate? 10