Instantaneous and Average Rate of Change of f(x) | Interval (0,3)

In summary, the conversation discusses finding points within the interval (0,3) where the instantaneous rate of change of f equals the average rate of change of f over the interval [0,3]. The equation given is f(x) = 4x^2 - x^3. The individual discussing the problem takes the derivative of the function and finds the average rate of change to be -1.5. However, they are unsure of what to do next. The other individual reminds them to use the formula for average rates of change and explains how to calculate it.
  • #1
pyrosilver
39
0

Homework Statement


Find any and all points inside the interval (0,3) where the instantaneous rate of change of f equals the average rate of change of f over the interval [0,3], for the equation

f(x) = 4x^2 - x^3


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



Not really sure how to do this. How do I find the average rate of change over that interval? I was thinking take the derivative:

f'(x) = 8x - 3x^2

plugging in 0 and 3 to get f'(0) = 0, and f'(3) = -3. So the average rate of change would be
-1.5?

And then saying

-1.5 = = 8x - 3x^2? I don't know, gah. How do I solve this problem?
 
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  • #2
Based on how I see things, you're quite nearly there! You've just ended up with a quadratic equation, now what do you do?
 
  • #3
Derivatives are the instantaneous rate of change. Your book should have a formula (a very familiar looking formula) for average rates of change.
 
  • #4
pyrosilver said:

Homework Statement


Find any and all points inside the interval (0,3) where the instantaneous rate of change of f equals the average rate of change of f over the interval [0,3], for the equation

f(x) = 4x^2 - x^3


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



Not really sure how to do this. How do I find the average rate of change over that interval? I was thinking take the derivative:

f'(x) = 8x - 3x^2

plugging in 0 and 3 to get f'(0) = 0, and f'(3) = -3. So the average rate of change would be
-1.5?

And then saying

-1.5 = = 8x - 3x^2? I don't know, gah. How do I solve this problem?

No, what you've written is not the "average rate of change". The average rate of change of a function f over the interval [a; b] should be calculated as follow:

[tex]\frac{f(b) - f(a)}{b - a}[/tex]

Hopefully, you can go from there, right? :)
 

FAQ: Instantaneous and Average Rate of Change of f(x) | Interval (0,3)

What is the rate of change?

The rate of change is a measure of how a quantity changes over a specific period of time. It is often represented as the slope of a line in a graph, where the change in the y-value (dependent variable) is divided by the change in the x-value (independent variable).

How do you calculate the rate of change?

To calculate the rate of change, you need to determine the change in the y-value and the change in the x-value. Then, divide the change in the y-value by the change in the x-value. This will give you the slope of the line, which represents the rate of change.

What does a positive rate of change indicate?

A positive rate of change indicates that the quantity being measured is increasing over time. This means that the slope of the line will be positive, as the y-value is increasing as the x-value increases.

How is the rate of change useful in science?

The rate of change is useful in science because it allows us to measure and understand how one variable affects another over time. It can help us identify patterns, make predictions, and analyze the relationships between different variables.

Can the rate of change be negative?

Yes, the rate of change can be negative. This indicates that the quantity being measured is decreasing over time. In this case, the slope of the line will be negative, as the y-value is decreasing as the x-value increases.

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