Tangent (slope)
Jargon-Free Definition
A line that just touches a curve at one point and shows its steepness there.
QCAA/AC9 Definition
A line that touches a curve at a point and represents the instantaneous gradient at that point.
Examples of Word Use in School
- Draw the tangent to the curve.
- Estimate the gradient of the tangent.
- Compare the tangent and the curve at the point.
Mathematical Definition
A tangent line to a curve at a point has the same gradient as the curve at that point.