Problema Solution

A pendulum creates a movement which can be represented by a graph: f(x)=2x-4x+2. Find the slope of the decant line for the interval [1/2,2]

Answer provided by our tutors

f(x)=x^2-4x+2

Slope of secant line between (x1, f(x1)) and (x2, f(x2))
Slope = average rate of change
Slope = (f(x2)−f(x1))/(x2−x1)

x1 = 1/2

x2 = 2

f(1/2) = (1/2)^2 - 4*(1/2) + 2

f(1/2) = 1/4

f(2)  = 2^2 - 4*2 + 2

f(2) = - 2

Slope = (f(2) - f(1/2))/(2 - 1/2)

Slope = (- 2 - 1/4)/(3/2)

Slope = (-9/4)(3/2)

Slope = -27/8