The rate of change of a function represented by a table of values allows us to compare the variation of the values of X (the independent variable of the function) with the variation of the values of Y (dependent variable of the function). This comparison enables us to determine if the intervals are fixed or not, and, consequently, if the rate of change is constant or not.
Look at the graph below and determine whether the function's rate of change is constant or not:
Incorrect
Correct Answer:
Not constant
Practice more now
For each X we will fill in the corresponding Y.
We will see at what rate the Y variables increase in the table. If the Y variables grow at the same rate, we can determine that the rate of change of the function is constant.
Function with Constant Rate of Change
We will illustrate this topic with the help of two different tables
In this table, the first column represents the variables X and the second, the variables Y according to their correspondence.
If we look closely, we will see that there is a fixed rate that is maintained throughout all the values. For every increase in X there is a corresponding increase of 1 in the Y variables.
Join Over 30,000 Students Excelling in Math!
Endless Practice, Expert Guidance - Elevate Your Math Skills Today
Test your knowledge
Question 1
Given the following graph, determine whether the rate of change is uniform or not?
Incorrect
Correct Answer:
Non-uniform
Question 2
Given the following graph, determine whether the rate of change is uniform or not
Incorrect
Correct Answer:
Non-uniform
Question 3
Given the following graph, determine whether the rate of change is uniform or not
Incorrect
Correct Answer:
Uniform
Function with a non-constant rate of change
Table representation of a function with a non-constant rate of change
Also in this table, the first column represents the X variables and the second the Y variables according to their correspondence.
If we look closely, we will see that in this case there is no fixed rate that remains stable across all values.
If you are interested in this article, you might also be interested in the following articles:
On theTutorela blog, you will find a variety of articles with interesting explanations about mathematics
Examples and exercises with solutions on the rate of change of a function represented by a table of values
Exercise #1
Look at the graph below and determine whether the function's rate of change is constant or not:
Video Solution
Step-by-Step Solution
First we need to remember that if the function is not a straight line, its rate of change is not constant.
The rate of change is not uniform since the function is not a straight line.
Answer
Not constant
Exercise #2
Given the following graph, determine whether the rate of change is uniform or not?
Video Solution
Step-by-Step Solution
Let's remember that if the function is not a straight line, its rate of change is not uniform.
Since the graph is not a straight line - the rate of change is not uniform.
Answer
Non-uniform
Exercise #3
Given the following graph, determine whether the rate of change is uniform or not
Video Solution
Step-by-Step Solution
Let's remember that if the function is not a straight line, its rate of change is not uniform.
Since the graph is not a straight line - the rate of change is not uniform.
Answer
Non-uniform
Exercise #4
Given the following graph, determine whether the rate of change is uniform or not
Video Solution
Step-by-Step Solution
To determine if the rate of change in the given graph is uniform, we need to analyze the graph and check if it is a straight line.
Step 1: Check for linearity - The most direct way to determine if the graph has a uniform rate of change is by inspecting it for linearity, which means the graph forms a straight line.
Step 2: Analyze the path - The given SVG code and description imply a straight diagonal line, suggesting a constant slope.
For a linear function, the slope m=x2−x1y2−y1 is constant throughout. As the graph is described as a straight line, any change in x results in a proportional change in y, confirming the slope does not vary.
Consequently, the graph displays a uniform rate of change. Therefore, the solution to this problem is uniform.
Answer
Uniform
Exercise #5
Given the following graph, determine whether the rate of change is uniform or not
Video Solution
Step-by-Step Solution
To solve this problem, let's analyze the graph of the line:
Step 1: Identify two points on the line. For simplicity, let's choose the intercept at x=1 and y=3, and another at x=6 and y=0 (assuming these are easily readable points).
Step 2: Calculate the slope using the formula x2−x1y2−y1.
Step 3: Substituting in our chosen points, the slope is 6−10−3=5−3.
Step 4: Since the graph is a straight line and the slope is constant, the rate of change is uniform.
Therefore, the graph shows a constant or uniform rate of change.
The solution to the problem is thus Uniform.
Since the correct answer is shown in the multiple-choice option "Uniform", we conclude it matches the analysis result.
Answer
Uniform
Do you know what the answer is?
Question 1
Given the following graph, determine whether the rate of change is uniform or not
Incorrect
Correct Answer:
The graph does not represents a function
Question 2
Given the following graph, determine whether the rate of change is uniform or not
Incorrect
Correct Answer:
Uniform
Question 3
Given the following graph, determine whether the rate of change is uniform or not