Question

Mr. Trpkosh was calculating the rate of change of two functions. The first function had a rate of change of -10; the second function had a rate of change of 8. Norman said the second function had the greater rate of change because 8 is greater than -10. Do you agree or disagree with Mr. Trpkosh? Explain your answer. *

Answer 1

No, I do not agree with Mr. Trpkosh.

Explanation:

The rate of change of a function means the total change in the function for a unit change in the independent variable.

If the function is increasing with increment in the independent variable, then the rate of change of the function is positive, while if the function is decreasing with the same, then the rate of change of the function is negative.

Given that the rate of change of the first function = - 10, so this function is decreasing with a rate of 10.

The rate of change of the second function = 8, so this function is increasing with a rate of 8.

So, the first function has a higher rate of change.