Final answer:
To estimate the instantaneous rate of change of f(t) = 3t^2 + 3 at t = -1, we can calculate the slopes of secant lines as t approaches -1 and observe the trend pattern. By using several t-values close to -1 and finding the corresponding f(t) values, we can compute the slopes of the secant lines and estimate the slope of the tangent line at t = -1.
Step-by-step explanation:
The instantaneous rate of change of the function f(t) = 3t^2 + 3 at the point t = -1 can be estimated by finding the slopes of secant lines as (t) values get closer and closer to -1. Let's choose a few (t) values close to -1, calculate the corresponding (f(t)) values, and compute the slopes of the secant lines. This will give us a trend pattern that can help estimate the slope of the tangent line at t = -1.
Step 1: Choose several (t) values close to -1, such as -1.1, -1.01, and -1.001.
Step 2: Calculate the corresponding (f(t)) values: f(-1.1), f(-1.01), and f(-1.001).
Step 3: Compute the slopes of the secant lines using the formula: slope = (f(t) - f(-1)) / (t - (-1)), where t is one of the chosen (t) values.
Step 4: Observe the trend pattern of the slopes of secant lines as (t) gets closer to -1. Estimate the slope of the tangent line by examining this pattern.