Graphing the Derivative of a Function
Instructions
In order to be successful with this applet,
you will need to have a solid understanding of the geometric interpretations of
the derivative. Recall that the derivative graph will be negative if the
original graph is sloping downwards and the derivative graph will be positive if
the original graph is sloping upwards.
For an example
that demonstrates how to sketch a graph of a derivative given the graph of a
function click here
- Begin at the left and drag your mouse to the right to draw the
derivative of the function. The applet will
simulate drawing dots where you place the mouse.
- The computer will sketch the graph of the true derivative always
trailing your progress by a little bit. It will
also simulate drawing dots, but will connect the dots when it you have
dragged all the way to the right hand side of the plane.
- If you want to erase what you have already drawn, just hit the "Restart"
button.
- Hit the "Next Graph" button to begin a different problem.
Back to
Larry Green's Java Applets
e-mail
Questions and Suggestions