Question

Given the function f(x) = 2(3)^x, Section A is from x = 0 to x = 1 and Section B is from x = 2 to x = 3.

Answer 1

Average rate of change can be calculated by determining the rate of change at x = a, and at x = b

f’(x) =2 (3^x) ln(3)

f’(0) = 2 ln(3)

f’(1) = 6 ln(3)

f’(2) = 18 ln(3)

f’(3) = 54 ln(3)

Average:

at section A = [6 ln(3) – 2 ln(3)]/1 = 4 ln(3)

at section B = [54 ln(3) – 18 ln(3)]/1 = 36 ln(3)

section B is 9 times larger.

Based from the f’(x), f’(x) varies as the power of x. so the greater of value of x, the greater the rate of change.