Determine the value of 'a' so that the average rate of change of the function h(x)=x^2+3x+2 on the interval -3<=x<=a is -1

Answer 1

h(a) = a^2 + 3 a + 2
h(-3)= 9 - 9 + 2

h(a) -h(-3) = a^2 + 3 a

so (a^2 + 3 a) /(a+3) = -1

a^2 + 3 a = -a - 3

a^2 + 4 a + 4 = 0
(a+2)(a+2) = 0
a = -2

Answer 2

Awesome Thanks!!

Answer 3

You are welcome :)

Answer 4

a^2 + 4 a = -a -3

a^2 + 4 a + 3 = 0

a = [ -4 +/- sqrt (16-12)]/2

a = -2 +/- 1

a = -1 or -3

Answer 5

Got it! thanks for the correction.