Question

A weight loss program advertises a person can attain an average weight loss of 4 pounds per week.

(a) What is the average rate of change (in pounds per week) for this weight loss program?

(b) If a person who weighs 180 pounds follows the weight loss program, what is the person's weight (in pounds) after 5 weeks?

Answer 1

(a) -4 pounds/week

(b) 160 pounds

Explanation:

Rate of Change

(a) We know the average weight loss is 4 pounds per week. Since the average weight is decreasing, the rate of change is negative.

The average rate of change is -4 punds/week

(b) If a person who weighs 180 pounds before starting the weight loss program, he will lose 4 pounds per week times 5 weeks=20 pounds.

Thus, the person's weight after 5 weeks will be 180 - 20 = 160 pounds