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

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding points within the interval (0,3) where the instantaneous rate of change of the function f(x) = 4x² - x³ equals the average rate of change over the interval [0,3]. Participants are exploring the concepts of instantaneous and average rates of change in the context of calculus.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss how to calculate the average rate of change and the derivative of the function. There is uncertainty about the correct method to find the average rate of change and how to set up the equation to find points where the two rates are equal.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on the calculation of the average rate of change and noted that a quadratic equation has emerged from the original poster's attempts. There is an ongoing exploration of the relationship between the instantaneous and average rates of change.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of a homework assignment, which may limit the information they can use or the methods they can apply. There is a noted confusion regarding the definition and calculation of average rate of change.

pyrosilver
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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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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?
 
Derivatives are the instantaneous rate of change. Your book should have a formula (a very familiar looking formula) for average rates of change.
 
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:

\frac{f(b) - f(a)}{b - a}

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

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