Question

the function ( y = f(x) ) is graphed below. what is the average rate of change of the function ( f(x) ) on the interval ( -4 leq x leq -2 )?

Explanation:

Step1: Recall the formula for average rate of change

The formula for the average rate of change of a function \(y = f(x)\) on the interval \([a,b]\) is \(\frac{f(b)-f(a)}{b - a}\). Here, \(a=-4\) and \(b = - 2\).

Step2: Find \(f(-4)\) and \(f(-2)\) from the graph

From the graph, when \(x=-4\), \(y = f(-4)=0\); when \(x=-2\), \(y=f(-2)=8\).

Step3: Substitute into the formula

Substitute \(a=-4\), \(b=-2\), \(f(a) = 0\), and \(f(b)=8\) into \(\frac{f(b)-f(a)}{b - a}\). We get \(\frac{8 - 0}{-2-(-4)}=\frac{8}{2}=4\).

Answer:

\(4\)