Problema Solution

Let f be the linear function defined by f(x)=-4x+3. Find the average rate of change in f over the following intervals. [-3,2]

Answer provided by our tutors

The average rate of change of the function f over the interval [a,b] is (f(b)−f(a))/(b-a)


In our case


a = -3


b = 2


f(a) = f(-3) = -4*(-3) + 3 = 15


f(b) = f(2) = -4*2 + 3 = -5


(f(b)−f(a))/(b-a) = (-5 - 15)/(2-(-3)) = -20/5 = -4


The average rate of change in f over [-3,2] is -4.