If you are newly enrolled in a higher-level mathematics course, the sheer number of variables (pardon the pun) can become overwhelming, particularly if you’re not a natural at math. But we are here to help with one of the more manageable problems in higher mathematics, which is where to find and download a Tangent Line Calculator for free.
While most smartphones come with simple calculators for quick arithmetic, more-complex equations seen in courses such as calculus will require sophisticated calculators. If you do not plan to invest in a handheld graphing calculator, or if you only need a Tangent Line calculator for limited use, there are a number of places on the internet where you can download calculators for free.
FINDING TANGENT LINE CALCULATORS ONLINE
There was a time in the not-so-distant past in which graphing calculators were expensive niche tools. Today,
Fortunately for users, there are now a good number of sophisticated programmer and scientific calculators available online. If you want one you can download and keep, there are a number of apps and options for that as well.
A routine search on the internet will provide you with a number of options for downloading a Tangent Line calculator. We ran our own search, and here were some of the best options we found:
Apple users can download the Desmos Graphing Line Calculator on iTunes for free, making the mobile app a no-brainer for iPhone and iPad users. However, the app is only available for download for iOS users. The app rates 4.5 out of 5 stars, and per Desmos lets the user “plot functions, create tables, add sliders, animate your graphs, and more -- all for free.”
A very similar tool is available for free on the Desmos website. This is a viable alternative for desktop users looking for a free Tangent Line calculator. It operates almost identically to the Desmos iOS app.
GeoGebra offers a comparable tool. Their Tangent Line calculator is bare bones and straightforward, making it easy to use for those who are familiar with Tangent Line calculators. GeoGebra’s tool is not as educational as some of the other apps and sites.
Advanced and experienced users can take advantage of a free online scientific notation calculator at Web 2.0. This tool operates identically to a handheld graphing calculator. If you are familiar with graphing or scientific calculators but don’t want to invest in one, the tool at Web 2.0 offers a very viable alternative.
Another advanced option is available at OriginLab. This tool caters specifically to the scientific and engineering communities. OriginLab’s app “draws a tangent line at selected point of a data plot in a graph. A smoothing option is available for computing the derivative for noisy data.” The app is available for free download, with simple instruction available on the website. The website also offers a live chat in the event the user has any difficulty with the process.
If you are new to Tangent Line calculators, a slightly simpler tool is available at eMath Help. If you are not a natural at higher mathematics, the setup at eMath is more educational. Additionally, the tools available at eMath might assist you with better understanding the process.
BYJU's, “The Learning App”, offers tutorials, an online assistant, and very simplified format. You can directly access BYJU’s Tangent Line calculator here. The website offers a variety of sophisticated calculators in addition to Tangent Line. BYJU’s also offers an app, available for free download on both iTunes and Google Play.
Symbolab offers a number of tools including Tangent Line calculators for free on their website. Click here to access the Tangent Line calculator directly on your desktop or laptop. Mobile users can download the Symbolab Calculator app for free on iTunes or Google Play. Readers should note that the Symbolab app rates slightly lower than the Desmos app on both mobile platforms, but remains a very useful option for most users.
Finally, a breakdown and tutorial for calculating a tangent line is available at TutorVista.com. TutorVista offers 100% virtual tutoring, explaining that “the student works one-on-one with a professional tutor in a secure web environment using your existing computer, web browser and broadband Internet connection - no special equipment or software is needed.” While TutorVista charges a fee for some of their services, their Tangent Line calculator is available for free via the link listed above.
As you can see, there is no shortage of free and readily-available options for finding a Tangent Line calculator on the internet. If you are considering purchasing a graphing calculator, you may want to try a few of the options suggested above before buying one.
ADDITIONAL TOOLS RELATED TO TANGENT LINE CALCULATORS
If you are brand new to the process of finding Tangent Lines, try not to become overwhelmed. There are numerous educational tools online that can help a new user learn how to calculate Tangent Lines, at which point you can take advantage of the free tools listed above.
To start, WikiHow explains “How to Find the Equation of a Tangent Line”. Per WikiHow, “unlike a straight line, a curve's slope constantly changes as you move along the graph. Calculus introduces students to the idea that each point on this graph could be described with a slope, or an instantaneous rate of change. The tangent line is a straight line with that slope, passing through that exact point on the graph. To find the equation for the tangent, you'll need to know how to take the derivative of the original equation.”
MathCaptain takes the process a step further, explaining, “in Geometry, a straight line which touches a plane curve at a given point is called the tangent line to the curve or just tangent. Tangent line always just touches the surface of the curve at a point. The point at which it touches the curve is called the point of tangency.”
SoulMaths offers not only an in-depth explanation on Tangent Lines, but also a large number of quick links to related equations, tools, and theorems. The educational process on SoulMaths is very direct, but there is an almost-overwhelming number of links to related topics. While the site is very thorough, there is also the possibility that newer users could become lost. Still, SoulMath is a free, high-value site, and worth investigating.
As noted above, several of the sites that offer free graphing calculators also offer educational tools. TutorVista is likely the most comprehensive (due to the individual attention) but also likely the most expensive. BYJU’s and eMath offer a variety of educational tools and easy-to-understand explanations, most of which are available for free on their respective sites or apps.
Much like graphing calculators themselves, there is no shortage of educational tools and tutoring services available online. Most of them are available for free or at a minimum cost.
OTHER OPTIONS FOR FREE TANGENT LINE CALCULATORS
A practical way to apply Tangent Lines is on spreadsheets. Google Sheets can perform this function for you automatically. Follow this link to an instructional video on how to find slope and intercept in Google Sheets. Google Sheets is available for free in desktop and mobile app formats. The only requirement is that the user creates a Google account. Click here to go directly to the Google Sheets download page.
In a similar way, Microsoft Office users can create Tangent Lines with Microsoft Excel. The process is very comparable to using Google Sheets to create Tangent Lines, as explained above. Click here for complete directions on using Excel for this function.
Unlike Google Sheets, Microsoft Office and Excel are not free programs. However, you can try Office 365, Microsoft’s latest addition, for 30 days via this link. The regular prices for Office 365 Home & Student 2016 is $149.99 USD, while Office 365 Personal is $69.99. Both products rate four out of five stars. You can also find Office 2016 Professional for a fraction of the cost of Office 365, if you don’t need the latest features.
Lastly, if you want to learn more about running linear regressions in Google Sheets, this article from Wired covers everything you will need to know on the topic.
FINAL WORD ON TANGENT LINE CALCULATORS
Today, we have more tools than ever before – both educational and practical – to help professionals and students easily work complex mathematical formulas. The days of being hunched over a cumbersome, expensive graphing calculator are behind (though that option remains if you’re feeling nostalgic).
There are no less than 10 or 12 locations online where you can access a Tangent Line calculator or use a spreadsheet to complete Tangent Line functions. Beyond that, there are a countless number of educational tools online that allow people to better understand complex functions such as Tangent Lines, allowing users to get the most out of the calculators.
For additional information on slope intercept or the best scientific calculator apps for Android and iOS, visit The Best Calculator. If you enjoyed this content, Like The Best Calculator on Facebook or Follow Us on Twitter.
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