Tangent Line Calculator

5/4/2026

6 min read

The tangent line to a curve at a given point is the line that just touches the curve at that point and has the same slope as the curve.

Explanation

To find the equation of a tangent line, we need to know the slope of the line and a point on the line.

Formula

y - y1 = m(x - x1)
m = (y2 - y1) / (x2 - x1)

Example

For example, if we have a curve y = x^2 and we want to find the tangent line at the point (1, 1), we can use the formula to find the slope of the line.

How to use the related calculator

To use this tool, simply enter the coordinates of two points on the curve, and the tool will calculate the equation of the tangent line.

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FAQ

What is the tangent line to a curve?

The tangent line to a curve at a given point is the line that just touches the curve at that point and has the same slope as the curve.

How do I use this tool?

Enter the coordinates of two points on the curve, and the tool will calculate the equation of the tangent line.