Derivatives Tutor Help
A one-page recap of the definition, the power rule, and tangent lines, plus a way to ask a tutor for a worked explanation.
1 Quick recap
The essentials on one page before you ask for help.
Derivative toolkit
f′(x) = limh→0 [f(x+h) − f(x)]/h ยท d/dx [xn] = n·xn−1
Tangent at a: y − f(a) = f′(a)(x − a)
Tangent at a: y − f(a) = f′(a)(x − a)
Power rule: multiply by n and drop the exponent. Constants vanish. The point uses f; the slope uses f′.
Stuck? Check these first
- Drop the exponent: d/dx [x5] = 5x4, not 5x5.
- Tangent slope is f′(a); the point is (a, f(a)).
- The difference quotient still has h; the derivative sends h → 0.
- Differentiate term by term — never multiply the pieces first.
2 Ask a tutor
Tell us what you are stuck on. A tutor will follow up with a worked explanation.
3 Keep going
While you wait, review the lesson or drill practice problems.