Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Derivative
The derivative of a function measures how the function's output value changes as its input value changes. It is defined as the limit of the average rate of change of the function over an interval as the interval approaches zero. The derivative is often denoted as f'(x) and represents the slope of the tangent line to the function's graph at any given point.
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Power Rule
The Power Rule is a fundamental technique for finding derivatives of polynomial functions. It states that if f(x) = x^n, where n is a real number, then the derivative f'(x) = n*x^(n-1). This rule simplifies the differentiation process, especially for functions involving powers of x, making it easier to compute derivatives quickly.
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Evaluating Derivatives at a Point
To evaluate the derivative at a specific point, such as a = 1, you first find the derivative function f'(x) and then substitute the value of x with the point of interest. This gives the slope of the tangent line to the function at that specific point, providing insight into the function's behavior at that location.
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