About this Simulation

The Derivative Machine allows learners to visualize how derivatives represent instantaneous rates of change. By adjusting the step size and position on a curve, students explore how tangent lines approximate function behavior and how the derivative value changes across different points on a graph.

Learning objectives: Understand derivatives as instantaneous rates of change on a curve | Visualize the relationship between tangent lines and derivative values | Investigate how step size affects the accuracy of slope approximations