Estimate the instantaneous rate of change at the point indicated.
y(x) = 1/(x+2), x=2.

Question

Estimate the instantaneous rate of change at the point indicated. 
y(x) = 1/(x+2), x=2.

tkhunny · Answer

You could evaluate at a few places and see how it comes out.

y(2) = ??
y(3) = ??
y(1) = ??
y(2.1) = ??
y(1.9) = ??

Draw some conclusions.

anonymous · Answer

I don't get why though?

tkhunny · Answer

Well, the AVERAGE rate of change between x = 1 and x = 3 may be a good approximation to the instantaneous rate of change AT x = 2.

Well, the AVERAGE rate of change between x = 1.9 and x = 2.1 may be a good approximation to the instantaneous rate of change AT x = 2.

anonymous · Answer

OH I understand now, thank you! Since the average rate of change is equal to 2, I can be able to figure out what the other two numbers are and it's 1 and 3 (like you said) and then find the two numbers that are greatly close to 2?