Question

Describe how to find the average rate of change between x=3 and x=5 for the function f(x)= 3x^3+2

Answer 1

We'll use the traditional "slope" formula, evaluating

`(f(5) - f(3))/(5-3)`

To find f(5), plug in x = 5 to f(x).

3(5)^3 + 2 = 377

Same thing for f(3)

3(3)^3 + 2 = 83

So

`(377-83)/(5-3) = (294)/(2) = 147`