Calculate the average rate of change for the given function, from x = −3 to x = 7.

x f(x)
-3 50
3 10
7 0

Question

Calculate the average rate of change for the given function, from x = −3 to x = 7.

x                f(x)
-3               50
3                 10
7                  0

vocaloid · Answer

hint: average rate of change in a function from x = A to x = B can be expressed in the form

[f(B)-f(A)]/(B-A)

vocaloid · Answer

substitute x = -3 for A and x = 7 for B

anonymous · Answer

So [f(8)-f(-3)] 8-(-3)

vocaloid · Answer

not quite, where is the 8 coming from?

anonymous · Answer

Oh xD meant to be a 7

vocaloid · Answer

right, 

[f(7)-f(-3)] / 7-(-3)

vocaloid · Answer

(we're not done yet, you still need to plug in your values of f(7), f(-3), and simplify)

anonymous · Answer

So f(10) /10  ?

vocaloid · Answer

uh, not quite

what is the value of f(7)?

vocaloid · Answer

look at the table

anonymous · Answer

0?

vocaloid · Answer

right, now what is the value of f(-3)?

anonymous · Answer

50

vocaloid · Answer

Right! so, our formula

[f(7)-f(-3)] / 7-(-3)

gives us

(0-50)/(10)

vocaloid · Answer

which is -5

anonymous · Answer

Sweet thanks a lot :D