Question

Given the function f(x) = x2 – 5x – 2, determine the average rate of change of

the function over the interval -1 < x < 5.

Answer 1

-1

Explanation:

f(-1) = (-1)² - 5(-1) -2 = 4

f(5) = (5)² - 5(5) -2 = -2

rate of change = (f(-1) - f(5)) / -1 - 5 = (4 - -2) / (-1 - 5) = 6 / -6 = - 1