Math Problem Statement

Use the graph of the function to find its average rate of change from x = 1 to x = 4. Simplify your answer as much as possible.

Solution

The image shows a graph of a function and a question asking for the average rate of change from x=1x = 1 to x=4x = 4. To find the average rate of change, we need to compute the difference in the function's values at these points and divide by the difference in xx.

The formula for the average rate of change of a function f(x)f(x) from x=ax = a to x=bx = b is:

Average rate of change=f(b)f(a)ba\text{Average rate of change} = \frac{f(b) - f(a)}{b - a}

Let's find the values of f(1)f(1) and f(4)f(4) from the graph.

Looking at the graph:

  • At x=1x = 1, the function appears to be around f(1)1f(1) \approx 1.
  • At x=4x = 4, the function appears to be around f(4)16f(4) \approx 16.

Now, let's plug in these values:

Average rate of change=f(4)f(1)41=1613=153=5\text{Average rate of change} = \frac{f(4) - f(1)}{4 - 1} = \frac{16 - 1}{3} = \frac{15}{3} = 5

So, the average rate of change from x=1x = 1 to x=4x = 4 is 5.

Would you like to know more details about this calculation or ask any questions? Here are some related questions:

  1. What is the difference between average rate of change and instantaneous rate of change?
  2. How do you find the derivative of a function graphically?
  3. How do you determine the function's equation given its graph?
  4. Can the average rate of change of a function be negative? When does this occur?
  5. What are some applications of the average rate of change in real-world scenarios?

Tip: The average rate of change is essentially the slope of the line connecting two points on a graph, which gives insight into how fast the function is increasing or decreasing between those points.

Ask a new question for Free

By Image

Drop file here or Click Here to upload

Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Rate of Change
Function Graph

Formulas

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

Theorems

Slope Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12