Find the average rate of change of [tex][tex]$f(x) = -2x^3 + 4x^2$[/tex][/tex] from [tex][tex]$x = -1$[/tex][/tex] to [tex][tex]$x = 3$[/tex][/tex].

Simplify your answer as much as possible.



Answer :

To find the average rate of change of the function [tex]\( f(x) = -2x^3 + 4x^2 \)[/tex] from [tex]\( x = -1 \)[/tex] to [tex]\( x = 3 \)[/tex], we will follow these steps:

1. Evaluate [tex]\( f(x) \)[/tex] at [tex]\( x = -1 \)[/tex]:

[tex]\[ f(-1) = -2(-1)^3 + 4(-1)^2 \][/tex]

[tex]\[ f(-1) = -2(-1) + 4(1) \][/tex]

[tex]\[ f(-1) = 2 + 4 = 6 \][/tex]

2. Evaluate [tex]\( f(x) \)[/tex] at [tex]\( x = 3 \)[/tex]:

[tex]\[ f(3) = -2(3)^3 + 4(3)^2 \][/tex]

[tex]\[ f(3) = -2(27) + 4(9) \][/tex]

[tex]\[ f(3) = -54 + 36 = -18 \][/tex]

3. Calculate the average rate of change using the formula:

[tex]\[ \text{Average rate of change} = \frac{f(x_2) - f(x_1)}{x_2 - x_1} \][/tex]

Here, [tex]\( x_1 = -1 \)[/tex] and [tex]\( x_2 = 3 \)[/tex], so:

[tex]\[ \text{Average rate of change} = \frac{f(3) - f(-1)}{3 - (-1)} \][/tex]

Substituting the values we computed:

[tex]\[ \text{Average rate of change} = \frac{-18 - 6}{3 - (-1)} \][/tex]

[tex]\[ \text{Average rate of change} = \frac{-18 - 6}{3 + 1} \][/tex]

[tex]\[ \text{Average rate of change} = \frac{-24}{4} \][/tex]

[tex]\[ \text{Average rate of change} = -6 \][/tex]

So, the average rate of change of [tex]\( f(x) = -2x^3 + 4x^2 \)[/tex] from [tex]\( x = -1 \)[/tex] to [tex]\( x = 3 \)[/tex] is [tex]\(-6\)[/tex].

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