Derivatives & Tangents · Maths

Match the derivative

Match the derivative is an interactive experiment in Derivatives & Tangents, a free simulation from StudyFi Lab that runs right in your browser.

Above is a function f, below are three graphs, and only one of them is its derivative. Read f like a map of slopes: where f rises, f′ lies above the x-axis; where it falls, below; at a peak or in a valley, f′ passes through zero. Five rounds, a different kind of function each time.

Try this: Before you choose, find the points where f has a horizontal tangent and check which candidate is zero exactly there.

Frequently asked questions

What does the “Match the derivative” experiment show?

Above is a function f, below are three graphs, and only one of them is its derivative. Read f like a map of slopes: where f rises, f′ lies above the x-axis; where it falls, below; at a peak or in a valley, f′ passes through zero. Five rounds, a different kind of function each time.

How do I try “Match the derivative”?

Before you choose, find the points where f has a horizontal tangent and check which candidate is zero exactly there.

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