Question

Determine the average rate of change of f(x) = x² - 10x + 5 over the interval [-4, 4].

Answer 1

The average rate of change is the slope of the line between the points

( -4, f(-4) ) and ( 4, f(4) )

f(-4) = 16 + 40 + 5 = 61

f(4) = 16 - 40 + 5 = 19

The slope (AKA average rate of change) is then

`m =(19-61)/(4-(-4))=(-42)/(8) = -(21)/(4)`