MATHEMATICS · Single correct · AP · Calculus AB · Differentiation: Definition and Fundamental Properties · Differentiation: Definition and Fundamental Properties
Problem
On the graph of a differentiable function y=f(x), what does the numerical value of f′(a) represent?
(a) The area under the curve from x=0 to x=a
(b) The slope of the tangent line to the graph at x=a
(c) The slope of the secant line through (0,f(0)) and (a,f(a))
(d) The negative reciprocal of the slope of the tangent line to the graph at x=a (i.e., the slope of the normal line)