Advanced Functions (MHF4U) · Characteristics of Functions

Average and instantaneous rate of change

Find the average rate of change over an interval, and estimate the instantaneous rate of change at a point using a very small interval. Unlimited questions, five difficulty levels, and a full worked solution every time — free.

Practice this skill Curriculum: MHF4U-CC2.1

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Find the average rate of change of f(x) from x = 3 to x = 4.

f(x) = 2x2 + x - 1

Answer: 15

See one solved, step by step

Find the average rate of change of f(x) from x = 3 to x = 4.

f(x) = 3x2 - 3x + 2
📘 Worked solution
1f(3) = 20Evaluate the function at the start of the interval.
2f(4) = 38Evaluate the function at the end of the interval.
3(38 - (20))/(4 - 3) = 18Average rate of change is rise over run between the two points — it's the slope of the secant line joining them.

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