New Reply

When ave. rate of change = instantaneous rate of change

 
Share Thread Thread Tools
Jan19-11, 10:32 AM   #1
 

When ave. rate of change = instantaneous rate of change


1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

Given the function f(x)= (x-2) / (x-5), determine an interval and a point where the ave. R.O.C and the instantaneous R.O.C are equal.


2. Relevant equations

IROC = [ f(x+h) - f(x) ] /h
AROC = f(x2) - f(x1) / x2 - x1

3. The attempt at a solution

I know that in order to satisfy this, the x's must satisfy both equations when using the AROC and IROC formulas.
I'm not sure where to start, though.
I could do guess and check, but I need help for an algebraic method.
 
PhysOrg.com
PhysOrg
science news on PhysOrg.com

>> Hong Kong launches first electric taxis
>> Morocco to harness the wind in energy hunt
>> Galaxy's Ring of Fire
Jan19-11, 12:30 PM   #2
 
Mentor
Quote by DespicableMe View Post
1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

Given the function f(x)= (x-2) / (x-5), determine an interval and a point where the ave. R.O.C and the instantaneous R.O.C are equal.


2. Relevant equations

IROC = [ f(x+h) - f(x) ] /h
AROC = f(x2) - f(x1) / x2 - x1

3. The attempt at a solution

I know that in order to satisfy this, the x's must satisfy both equations when using the AROC and IROC formulas.
I'm not sure where to start, though.
I could do guess and check, but I need help for an algebraic method.
You might not have seen the Mean Value Theorem yet, but it guarantees that if f is continuous on some interval [a, b], and differentiable on (a, b), then there exists a number c such that f'(c) = (f(b) - f(a))/(b - a).

If you haven't graphed your function, by all means do so. Your function has a vertical asymptote at x = 5, but is continuous everywhere else; i.e., on (-infinity, 5) or (5, infinity). Pick any two numbers that are in the interior of either of these intervals and calculate the average rate of change. Then set f'(x) equal to this number to solve for x.
 
New Reply
Thread Tools


Similar Threads for: When ave. rate of change = instantaneous rate of change
Thread Forum Replies
Instantaneous rate of change (two capacitors) Introductory Physics Homework 9
How to get instantaneous rate of change Precalculus Mathematics Homework 6
instantaneous rate of change of a sphere Precalculus Mathematics Homework 2
instantaneous rate of change Calculus & Beyond Homework 8
Derivative as an Instantaneous rate of change Calculus & Beyond Homework 8