alleryThe **slope of the tangent** to the curve $y = f(x)$ at point $(a, f(a))$ is:
A$f(a)$
B$f'(a)$
C$1/f'(a)$
D$f''(a)$
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: B. $f'(a)$
Tangent slope at $x = a$ equals $f'(a)$, the derivative evaluated at that point.
Normal slope = $-1/f'(a)$ (perpendicular).
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