Education Technology


Linear Approximation - 1

Activity Overview

Students will use the tangent to a function to estimate the value of the function near the point of tangency. They will also observe errors associated with these approximations, decide if these errors represent underestimates or overestimates, and find intervals that guarantee a specified level of precision.

Before the Activity

Download the attached PDF and look over the information on the first page. Download and distribute the attached .tns file and Student Worksheet for use during the activity.

During the Activity

Discuss the material from the activity pages and worksheet with students as needed.

After the Activity

Encourage students to summarize what they have learned from completing the activity. If desired, discuss possible extensions with students.