Rates of Change

Learning Objectives

• Compute an average rate of change, given a function defined by a graph and/or by an equation.

• Draw the secant line connecting two points on a curve.

• Interpret the slope of a secant line as an average rate of change.

• Form and simplify a difference quotient representing the slope of a secant line connecting two arbitrary points on a curve.

• Use proper units for a rate of change in an applied problem.

• Calculate distance traveled as a rate of change multiplied by time elapsed.