Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
This formula represents the average rate of change (slope) between two points on a curve or graph. It calculates how much y changes per unit change in x over an interval [a,b].
The derivative represents the instantaneous rate of change (slope) at any given point on a curve or graph. It provides information about how quickly one variable changes with respect to another.
The limit is a fundamental concept in calculus that describes the behavior of a function as its input approaches a certain value or infinity. It helps determine the derivative and other important properties of functions.