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CalcGospel 國際數學圖譜

Secant to Tangent Explorer

Let the second point approach A and watch a secant become a tangent

中文辅助说明

调整 h,让曲线上的第二点从左侧或右侧靠近固定点,割线便会逐渐靠近切线。图像同时显示点的位置、割线斜率和差商化简过程,帮助你直观理解导数为什么是割线斜率在 h 趋近于零时的极限。

Gradient from first principles

What happens as approaches zero?

Keep fixed. Changing moves the second point along the curve .

Secant and tangent graph

Secant approaching a tangent The curve y equals x squared, a fixed point A, a moving point P, the secant AP, and the tangent at A.
Secant Tangent at

The calculation behind the picture

The difference between the two gradients is exactly . Therefore, as approaches zero from either side, the secant approaches the tangent.