The relative rate of change of a function f(x) is the ratio of the derivative f'(x) to the function f(x). Since f'(x) = -4e^(-2x) the relative rate of change r = [-4e^(-2x)]/[12 + 2e^(-2x)]. This can be simplified by factoring a value of two resulting in: r = [-2e^(-2x)]/[6 + e^(-2x)]. This can be further re-arranged if desired into: r = -1/3 e^(-2x) - 2