Calculate average rate of change

What you'll learn

1. Calculate the average rate of change of a function over a specified interval using the formula (f(b) - f(a)) / (b - a)
2. Connect the average rate of change formula to the slope of the secant line between two points on the graph
3. Compute average rate of change from symbolic expressions (function rules) and from tables of values
4. Estimate the rate of change from a graph by reading approximate coordinates and computing the slope of the secant line
5. Interpret the average rate of change in context, including stating appropriate units (output units per input unit)
6. Compare average rates of change over different intervals to determine whether a function is linear or non-linear and to describe trends

Prerequisites

• Use function notation