Average rate of change in context

Use the change in output divided by the change in input.

  • Average rate: use the chord between the two specified points.
  • Instantaneous rate: use a tangent at the specified point.
  • Divide the vertical change by the horizontal change, and include the rate units.

Example 1

The curve shows the distance of a moving object in metres against time in seconds. Find the average speed from to .

Coordinate graph0.511.522.533.542468100
An average gradient is the gradient of the chord joining the two given points.Use the vertical change divided by the horizontal change.

Example 2

The curve shows the distance of a moving object in metres against time in seconds. Find the average speed from to .

Coordinate graph0.511.522.533.5424681012140
An average gradient is the gradient of the chord joining the two given points.Use the vertical change divided by the horizontal change.

Your turn

Question 1

The curve shows the distance of a moving object in metres against time in seconds. Find the average speed from to .

Coordinate graph0.511.522.533.542.557.51012.51517.50
Check answer
An average gradient is the gradient of the chord joining the two given points.Use the vertical change divided by the horizontal change.
Question 2

The curve shows the distance of a moving object in metres against time in seconds. Find the average speed from to .

Coordinate graph1234524681012140
Check answer
An average gradient is the gradient of the chord joining the two given points.Use the vertical change divided by the horizontal change.
Question 3

The curve shows the distance of a moving object in metres against time in seconds. Find the average speed from to .

Coordinate graph1234551015200
Check answer
An average gradient is the gradient of the chord joining the two given points.Use the vertical change divided by the horizontal change.
Question 4

The curve shows the distance of a moving object in metres against time in seconds. Find the average speed from to .

Coordinate graph12345510152025300
Check answer
An average gradient is the gradient of the chord joining the two given points.Use the vertical change divided by the horizontal change.
Question 5

The curve shows the distance of a moving object in metres against time in seconds. Find the average speed from to .

Coordinate graph12345651015200
Check answer
An average gradient is the gradient of the chord joining the two given points.Use the vertical change divided by the horizontal change.