find f(x) for the values at the ends of the interval
divide the difference in the f(x) values by the difference in the x values
Over which of the following intervals does f(x)= −1/x have the greatest average rate of change?
a) [2, -1/4]
b) [2, 5]
c) [1, 5/2]
d) [-4, 2]
2 answers
You know that the graph has an asypmote at x=0, so intervals closer to the asymptote have the greatest slope. Since all of these intervals are relatively narrow, I pick C even without doing the calculations.
A and D automatically are out, since they include the asymptote, so the average rate of change is undefined.
A and D automatically are out, since they include the asymptote, so the average rate of change is undefined.