What is average rate of change?

Definition -



Formula -

​a and b are the starting and endpoints of the specific interval on the x-axis.

Real-Life Applications of Average Rate of Change

Calculation of speed (of any object) is distance over time (e.g., miles per hour) informs speed laws and manufacturing

​​Speed

Changes in carbon dioxide levels over time inform scientists and urban planners

Climate

Understanding pricing and profit change over time is key to understanding incomes and inflation

​​Profit

Have a CONSTANT rate of change.

*Rate of change for a linear function is also known as the "slope" of a linear function.

​​Linear Functions

Have a VARYING rate of change.

This means that it depends on how 'wide' or 'narrow' the opening of the quadratic is...

Quadratic Functions

Average Rate of Change for Linear Functions

Average Rate of Change for Quadratic Functions

Takeaways

Definition -



Formula -

​a and b are the starting and endpoints of the specific interval on the x-axis.