Question

What is the average rate of change of f(x) on the interval [-3, -1]?

Answer 1

To get a more specific answer, you'll need a specific function formula.

Explanation:

The average rate of change in a function is the slope of a segment connecting two points on the graph of the function. If a formula (rule) for the function is given, then a graph is not usually necessary.

Example: Given the function
`f(x)=x^2`, what is the average rate of change on the interval
`[-3,1]`?

Find the value of the function at each endpoint.

`f(-3)=9\\f(-1)=1`

Then find

`(f(-1)-f(-3)))/(-1-(-3))=(1-9)/(-1+3)=(-8)/(2)=-4`

The average rate of change in f on the interval is 4.