c. Find the slopes of the tangent lines to the graphs of h and k at (2, 2) and (−2, −2).

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the functions h and k whose tangent line slopes you need to find. Make sure you have their explicit formulas or expressions.
2. Recall that the slope of the tangent line to a function at a point is given by the derivative of the function evaluated at that point. So, find the derivatives \( h'(x) \) and \( k'(x) \).
3. Evaluate the derivative \( h'(x) \) at \( x = 2 \) and \( x = -2 \) to find the slopes of the tangent lines to \( h \) at the points \( (2, 2) \) and \( (-2, -2) \).
4. Similarly, evaluate the derivative \( k'(x) \) at \( x = 2 \) and \( x = -2 \) to find the slopes of the tangent lines to \( k \) at the points \( (2, 2) \) and \( (-2, -2) \).
5. Summarize the slopes found for each function at the given points, which represent the slopes of the tangent lines to the graphs at those points.

Key Concepts

Derivative as the Slope of the Tangent Line

The derivative of a function at a given point represents the slope of the tangent line to the graph at that point. It measures the instantaneous rate of change of the function with respect to the independent variable.

Evaluating the Derivative at Specific Points

To find the slope of the tangent line at a particular point, you first compute the derivative function and then substitute the x-coordinate of the point into this derivative. This yields the slope value at that point.

Understanding the Graphs of Functions h and k

Knowing the explicit forms or properties of the functions h and k is essential to differentiate them correctly. This understanding allows accurate calculation of their derivatives and evaluation at the given points (2, 2) and (−2, −2).