Math Problem Statement

Find the average rate of change of f(x) = 3x^2 + 6 over the intervals (a) from -2 to 0, (b) from -1 to 1, and (c) from 2 to 5.

Solution

Let's solve part (c) for the given problem.

The function is f(x)=3x2+6f(x) = 3x^2 + 6, and we are asked to find the average rate of change of the function over the interval [2, 5].

The formula for the average rate of change between two points x1x_1 and x2x_2 is:

Average Rate of Change=f(x2)f(x1)x2x1\text{Average Rate of Change} = \frac{f(x_2) - f(x_1)}{x_2 - x_1}

For part (c), the interval is from 2 to 5, so:

  1. First, calculate f(2)f(2): f(2)=3(2)2+6=3(4)+6=12+6=18f(2) = 3(2)^2 + 6 = 3(4) + 6 = 12 + 6 = 18

  2. Now calculate f(5)f(5): f(5)=3(5)2+6=3(25)+6=75+6=81f(5) = 3(5)^2 + 6 = 3(25) + 6 = 75 + 6 = 81

  3. Finally, apply the average rate of change formula: f(5)f(2)52=811852=633=21\frac{f(5) - f(2)}{5 - 2} = \frac{81 - 18}{5 - 2} = \frac{63}{3} = 21

Thus, the average rate of change from 2 to 5 is 21.

Would you like more details or have any questions?

Here are 5 related questions to think about:

  1. How is the average rate of change related to the derivative?
  2. What is the geometric interpretation of the average rate of change?
  3. How would the average rate of change differ for a linear function?
  4. Can the average rate of change be negative? Why?
  5. How would you find the instantaneous rate of change at a specific point?

Tip: The average rate of change can be visualized as the slope of the secant line connecting two points on the graph of the function.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Functions
Average Rate of Change

Formulas

Average rate of change: (f(x2) - f(x1)) / (x2 - x1)
Quadratic function: f(x) = ax^2 + bx + c

Theorems

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Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12