average rate of change of the function f(x) = x ^2 + 5x + 1 over the interval [-2,1] is equal to
. (*)
Calculate f(1) and f(-2).
I hope you know how to do it. // If not, let me know . . .
Then use the expression (*).
Answer by rothauserc(4718) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website! the average rate of change of a function, f(x), over a closed interval [a,b] is defined as
:
(f(b) - f(a)) / (b - a)
:
our closed interval is [-2, 1], and f(x) = x ^2 + 5x + 1
:
rate of change over [-2,1] = (f(1) - f(-2)) / (1-(-2)) =
:
(7 - (-5))/3 = 12/3 = 4
: