To find the derivative of the function g(t) = 9t using the definition of derivative, we start with the formal definition:
Definition of Derivative: The derivative of a function g(t) at a point t is defined as:
g'(t) = lim (h -> 0) [(g(t + h) – g(t)) / h]
- Step 1: Substitute the function into the definition.
For our function, we need to compute g(t + h). - First, substitute t + h into the function:
- Step 2: Compute g(t + h) – g(t).
Now, we can find: - Step 3: Substitute into the limit.
Now, plug this back into our limit definition: - Notice that h in the numerator and denominator cancels out (as long as h ≠ 0):
- Step 4: Evaluate the limit.
Since the expression does not depend on h anymore, we can evaluate the limit:
g(t + h) = 9(t + h) = 9t + 9h
g(t + h) – g(t) = (9t + 9h) – (9t) = 9h
g'(t) = lim (h -> 0) [(9h) / h]
g'(t) = lim (h -> 0) [9]
g'(t) = 9
Thus, the derivative of the function g(t) = 9t is g'(t) = 9.