Final answer:
The average rate of change can be calculated using the formula (f(x₂) - f(x₁))/(x₂ - x₁), where (x₁, f(x₁)) and (x₂, f(x₂)) are two points on the function.
Step-by-step explanation:
The average rate of change is determined by finding the difference in the y-coordinates divided by the difference in the x-coordinates of two points on a function. In this case, the points are (x₁, f(x₁)) and (x₂, f(x₂)). The average rate of change can be calculated using the formula:
v = (f(x₂) - f(x₁))/(x₂ - x₁)
For example, if the points are (2, 5) and (6, 15), the average rate of change would be:
v = (15 - 5)/(6 - 2) = 10/4 = 2.5