Math Problem Statement

The function y = f(x) is graphed below. What is the average rate of change of the function f(x) on the interval 2 <= x <= 8?

Solution

To find the average rate of change of the function f(x)f(x) over the interval 2x82 \leq x \leq 8, we can use the formula for the average rate of change:

Average Rate of Change=f(b)f(a)ba\text{Average Rate of Change} = \frac{f(b) - f(a)}{b - a}

Where:

  • a=2a = 2
  • b=8b = 8
  • f(a)f(a) and f(b)f(b) are the values of the function f(x)f(x) at x=ax = a and x=bx = b, respectively.

Step 1: Find f(2)f(2) and f(8)f(8) from the graph.

  • From the graph, when x=2x = 2, f(2)=10f(2) = 10.
  • When x=8x = 8, f(8)=50f(8) = 50.

Step 2: Apply the formula.

Average Rate of Change=f(8)f(2)82=501082=4066.67\text{Average Rate of Change} = \frac{f(8) - f(2)}{8 - 2} = \frac{50 - 10}{8 - 2} = \frac{40}{6} \approx 6.67

So, the average rate of change of the function f(x)f(x) over the interval 2x82 \leq x \leq 8 is approximately 6.676.67.

Would you like more details on this? Here are 5 related questions you can explore:

  1. How is the average rate of change related to the slope of a secant line?
  2. How can you calculate the average rate of change for a different interval on the graph?
  3. What is the difference between instantaneous rate of change and average rate of change?
  4. How would the average rate of change differ for negative intervals or different function types?
  5. How can the concept of average rate of change be applied in real-world problems?

Tip: The average rate of change between two points on a curve can be thought of as the slope of the line connecting those points (the secant line).

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Average Rate of Change
Functions
Linear Approximation

Formulas

Average Rate of Change = (f(b) - f(a)) / (b - a)

Theorems

Secant Line Slope Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12