The slope of a curved line at a particular point is
A)always greater than the slope of a straight line at the same point.
B)always smaller than the slope of a straight line at the same point.
C)defined as the slope of the straight line representing the average values for the entire curve.
D)defined as the slope of the straight line that is tangent to the curve at that point.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The slope of a curved line at a particular point is defined as the slope of the straight line that is tangent to the curve at that point. This is because the tangent line represents the instantaneous rate of change at that point, which is what slope measures. Therefore, choice D is the best choice.

The Slope of a Curved Line at a Particular Point