Analyzing Rate of Change: Determine Uniformity from X-Y Coordinate Table

Rate of Change with Coordinate Tables

Given a table showing points on the graph of a function, determine whether or not the rate of change is uniform.

XY-7-4-120123

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:16 Let's check if the rate of change is the same throughout.
00:22 Notice how the change in X values is consistent.
00:29 And the change in Y values stays the same too.
00:33 So, the rate of change is uniform.
00:36 And that's how we solve this problem.

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

Given a table showing points on the graph of a function, determine whether or not the rate of change is uniform.

XY-7-4-120123

2

Step-by-step solution

To determine whether the rate of change is uniform for the function given by the table, follow these steps:

  • Calculate the rate of change between each pair of consecutive points.
  • Ensure the calculated rates are all equal to verify uniformity.

Let's calculate the rate of change between these points:

1. Between (7,0)(-7, 0) and (4,1)(-4, 1):
The rate of change is:
104(7)=13.\frac{1 - 0}{-4 - (-7)} = \frac{1}{3}.

2. Between (4,1)(-4, 1) and (1,2)(-1, 2):
The rate of change is:
211(4)=13.\frac{2 - 1}{-1 - (-4)} = \frac{1}{3}.

3. Between (1,2)(-1, 2) and (2,3) (2, 3):
The rate of change is:
322(1)=13.\frac{3 - 2}{2 - (-1)} = \frac{1}{3}.

All calculated rates of change are equal to 13\frac{1}{3}, indicating the rate of change is uniform between each consecutive pair of points.

Therefore, the rate of change is Uniform.

3

Final Answer

Uniform

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Rule: Calculate rate of change between consecutive coordinate pairs
  • Technique: Use formula y2y1x2x1 \frac{y_2 - y_1}{x_2 - x_1} for each pair
  • Check: All rates equal 13 \frac{1}{3} means uniform rate ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Not checking all consecutive pairs
    Don't calculate just one or two rate changes and assume uniformity = wrong conclusion! You might miss non-uniform sections. Always calculate the rate of change between every consecutive pair of points to verify uniformity.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

Given the following graph, determine whether function is constant

–9–9–9–8–8–8–7–7–7–6–6–6–5–5–5–4–4–4–3–3–3–2–2–2–1–1–1111222333444555666777888999–4–4–4–3–3–3–2–2–2–1–1–1111222333444555666000

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

What exactly is a uniform rate of change?

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A uniform rate of change means the function increases (or decreases) by the same amount for every equal step in x. It's what makes a line straight!

Why do I need to check ALL consecutive pairs?

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Even if the first two pairs have the same rate, the third pair might be different! You need to check every single pair to be sure the rate is truly uniform throughout.

What if I get different rates between some pairs?

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Then the rate of change is non-uniform! This means the function is not linear - it could be quadratic, exponential, or some other type of curve.

Can I use any two points instead of consecutive ones?

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No! You must use consecutive pairs only. Using random points might give you an average rate that hides non-uniform sections in between.

What does it mean when all my rates are the same?

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Congratulations! When all consecutive rates equal the same value (like 13 \frac{1}{3} ), your function is linear with a uniform rate of change.

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