Nicolas Liu Yr11

Q1.1
What does the graph of a typical “smooth” function
look like when we zoom into the micro
level?
When zooming in on a typical smooth function at a micro
level, the line of the smooth function should begin to
appear more and more similar to a straight line.
Additionally, the function's gradient will reduce to
resemble a straight line to the tangent of a chosen point.
𝑥
Figure 1.1 demonstrates the function of f(x)=2 at a
zoom level that possesses significant gridlines with a
spacing of 1. Figure 1.2 demonstrates the identical
function, however, it is now viewed with a zoom level
that possesses significant gridlines with a separation of
0.02. As previously stated, the gradient of the point
encompassing the point is closer to the tangent at an
increasing rate.

Q1.2
Will the curve always look like this when zoomed in?
If not, when and where
do we see something different?
Curves will exhibit this trait when only categorized as a
“smooth” function. However, this characteristic cannot
be observed in a function that is not categorised as
“smooth” such as discontinuous functions.
Demonstrated in Figure 2.1 which depicts the function
f(x)=|x| and possesses significant gridlines with
spacing of 1. Figure 2.2 demonstrates the identical
graph, however, it is now viewed with a zoom level that
possesses significant gridlines with a separation of 0.2.
As stated, the gradient remains constant throughout
the graph even when zoomed in.
 Nicolas Liu Yr11

Q1.3 Can you make some further observations?

Q1.4
What is the relationship between the “Micro” zoomed-in view of the curve and the
“macro” zoomed-out view of the curve?
Comparing the two different viewpoints, we can see that when a graph is viewed through a
microlens, the graph produces something that appears closer towards the tangent of a given
graph. Similarly, when a graph is viewed through a macro lens, the graph takes an
approximation of a line but resembles that of a straight line more. Figure 2.1 represents a graph
viewed from a standard level of zoom with each gridline being 1 value apart. Figure 2.2 shows
the function at a microzoom level with each guideline being measured 0.005 apart. Figure 2.3
shows the function on a macro zoom lens with gridlines being 100 value apart. As previously
mentioned, the micro lens produces a view that appears more like the tangent of the graph
whereas the macro lens produces a view that appears more like a vertical line.
 Nicolas Liu Yr11

Q1.5
How does today’s exploration help answer the question: What is
the gradient at a point on a curve?
Although it is mathematically challenging to obtain the exact tangent
line and its gradient, it is possible to create a line that closely
resembles the tangent. The exploration tool developed facilitates the
collection of more accurate data regarding the gradient of the tangent
at a specific point, but it is not an exact representation.

Q1.6
The “Year 7 definition” of a tangent is a “line that touches a graph at a
single point” which still holds merit and is correct to a degree and was perfectly adequate for the
level it was designed for. However, this definition is now inadequate as it lacks details that
explain the point of contact on the graph as well as how the “tangent” makes this contact. A
more suitable definition that is more applicable to the current level of mathematics being studied
can be garnered such as “A line which forms equal angles with points on both sides,
infinitesimally close to the point of contact”.

Q2.1
Summarize the concept of The gradient Function
The gradient function is a function that is used to calculate the rate of change or the slope of a
given function in a specific point.

Q2.2
What do you believe you have discovered about the gradient functions for polynomials?
Copy a GeoGebra screenshot into your Learning Journal
By exploring the gradient function using Geogebra, we can obtain valuable insights about
equations, particularly polynomial equations. Calculating the gradient function leads to the
observation that it has a power that is one degree lower than the original function. This is visible
in Figure 3.1 and Figure 3.2
 Nicolas Liu Yr11

Q2.3
Describe the process to find a close approximation to the tangent at the point.
To approximate the tangent of a specific point, it is necessary to identify two other nearby points
along the function. A line is then drawn between these two points. While this line is not an exact
match for the tangent, it closely resembles it. By reducing the distance between the points on a
smaller scale, a closer approximation can be achieved. However, even with increased accuracy,
it is still impossible to precisely obtain the tangent or its gradient.

Q2.4
What are the mathematical obstacles of trying to find the gradient at a single point on a
curve?
By its inherent nature and definition, a tangent is a line that touches a function at a single point.
Consequently, it is mathematically unattainable to accurately determine the tangent of a curve or
the gradient of that tangent through graphical means.

Q3.1
Describe the concept of the Approximate Gradient Function. Consider how to make it
more accurate
𝑓(𝑥+ℎ)−𝑓(𝑥)
The Approximate Gradient Function AGF(x)= ℎ
enables the determination of the
gradient of a function beyond a single point. This function plots the entire gradient function
without relying on the trace tool to manually discover the tangent's gradient throughout the
function. Enhancing the accuracy of the AGF can be achieved by decreasing the value of "h" to a
considerably smaller magnitude. An alternative would be using limits and providing a solution or
function as h → 0, which reduces the possible inaccuracy.

Q3.2
What is the rule to find the gradient function for a polynomial?
To find the gradient function of a polynomial we can utilise the power rule of differentiation or
alternatively the first principle of differentiation. The power rule dictates that, a term in the form
axn, where a is a constant coefficient and n is a positive integer, the derivative of this term can
𝑑 𝑛 𝑛−1
be calculated by 𝑑𝑥
(𝑎𝑥 ) = 𝑛 × 𝑎𝑥 . Similarly, we can utilize the first principle of
𝑓(𝑥+0.001)−𝑓(𝑥)
differentiation or 0.001
and will result in identical solutions.