The rate of change can be calculated by finding the difference in the amount of pet food remaining for consecutive numbers of meals dispensed.
Rate of change for n=1 to n=3: f(3) - f(1) = 15 - 21 = -6
Rate of change for n=3 to n=6: f(6) - f(3) = 6 - 15 = -9
Rate of change for n=6 to n=7: f(7) - f(6) = 3 - 6 = -3
Therefore, the rate of change for this situation is -6 cups, -9 cups, and -3 cups for consecutive numbers of meals dispensed.
The table shows the amount of pet food in cups remaining in an automatic feeder as a function of the number of meals the feeder has dispensed.
Based on the table, which value represents the rate of change
for this situation?
number of meals dispensed, n 1,3,6,7
amount of pet food remaining, f(n) (cups) 21,15,6,3
1 answer