Question

Given f(x)=|x-3|-5, find the average rate of change of the function on [1,5].

Answer 1

You'll need to evaluate the function at the endpoints of that interval first...

Answer 2

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What are f(1) and f(5) ?

Answer 3

How do I do that? I'm sorry stupid here:( this is all new to me

Answer 4

You don't know how to evaluate a function at specific points?
Here's an example, suppose we have
g(x) = 2x + 1
g(0) = 2(0) + 1 [replace the x with 0, then evaluate ]
= 0 + 1
= 1

g(1) = 2(1) + 1 [replace the x with 1, then evaluate ]
= 2 + 1
= 3

Now, just do the same with
f(x) = |x-3|-5

Answer 5

And by the way, once you've done that, the average rate of change of a function between two points \(\large x_1\) and \(\large x_2\) is
\[\Large \frac{f(x_2)-f(x_1)}{x_2-x_1}\] It's just like finding the slope of a line, between two points, see? ^_^

Answer 6

I'll try my best that makes more sense now that you've explained it and given me a rate of change function thanks:)

Answer 7

When you're done, please post your answer and (preferably) how you got it.
Thanks ^_^