Brief Calculus

[Remulak]

Average Rate of Change:
</br> The slope of a secant line passing through (2,f(2)) and (2.01,f(2.01)) is 4. Determine the vertical distance between (2,f(2)) and (2.01,f(2.01)). Someone explain to me please.

[crono_logical]

Sounds like it's saying f(x) = sec(x). Even without knowing the function though, from the coordinates given, it's saying here's the slope or gradient between x=2 and x=2.01, so what's the change in y between x=2 and x=2.01 :p Looks like basic arithmetic to me and doesn't even need to involve calculus :p Of course you could work out the true difference by using the function, but I think that's not what it's trying to aim at :p

[Remulak]

I have no idea. I just need this class for my business major and I'm done with math. What is the vertical distance? Is it .01? The chapter is applying the difference quotient of<br>
</br><br>
</br> f(b)-f(a)/b-a<br>
</br><br>
</br>But I'm still lost.

[Kirobaito]

Slope is equal to rise/run. In other words, vertical distance over horizontal distance.

In other words, (y2-y1)/(x2-x1) = 4

We know the values of the two x amounts, 2.00 and 2.01.

(y2-y1)/(2.01-2.0) = 4

Simplify.

(y2-y1)/.01 = 4

.04 = y2-y1

y2-y1 is the vertical distance, therefore the vertical distance is .04. Seems like 9th grade algebra to me, unless "secant line" is some entirely other concept.

[Flying Mullet]

My guess is your class/book is having you solve various parts of basic Calculus problems using algebra to help move you into Calculus.

[qwertysaur]

Average rate of change is a fancy way to say slope.

[Goldenboko]

Calculus? This Algebra I. xD Seriously, slope? I did that two years ago, and I'm only a highschooler.

[rubah]

Didn't you hear about how math builds on itself?

[Vivisteiner]

Its called the gradient, to be precise. At least in England it is.


EDIT: Oh, and Kiribaito told you everything you need to know.

[Moon Rabbits]

Its called the gradient, to be precise. At least in England it is.


EDIT: Oh, and Kiribaito told you everything you need to know.

Yup.

[Remulak]

Guys, the book is brief calc. I label like I see it.



Also, for you math idiots out there

brief calc =/= calc