Rate of change represented by steps in the function graph
We can draw stairs on the graph of the function to see the rate of change. The base of the step will represent the interval in the X variables and the height will symbolize the interval in the Y.
The step will mark the "jump" from X in relation to the "jump" in Y. The bases of the steps will always be the same since we always choose fixed intervals in X.
If the heights of the steps are increasing, it means that the rate of change is increasing.
If the heights of the steps are decreasing, it means that the rate of change is decreasing.
If the heights of the steps do not change, it means that the rate of change is constant.
Given the following graph, determine whether function is constant
Incorrect
Correct Answer:
The graph does not represents a function
Practice more now
To use this method, you need a graph paper on which we know the length and height of each square. In this way, you can draw "steps" across the entire graph, which will help us compare the height of these steps at different points of the function.
We will demonstrate this with two different graphs drawn on graph paper:
In the first one, there is a straight line in which all the heights of the steps are equal. Consequently, we understand that this is a constant rate of change.
Steps for Signaling a Constant Rate of Change
The second graph represents a function in which the heights of the steps change.
Consequently, we understand that it is a rate of change that is not constant.
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Test your knowledge
Question 1
Look at the graph below and determine whether the function's rate of change is constant or not:
Incorrect
Correct Answer:
Not constant
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
Incorrect
Correct Answer:
The graph does not represents a function
Steps for Signaling a Non-Constant Rate of Change
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Examples and exercises with solutions of rate of change represented with steps on the graph of the function
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
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
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 is uniform, we need to examine the slopes of the segments in the graph.
First, let's identify the segments in the graph. The graph provided has multiple segments as follows:
Segment 1: From point A to point B (approximation based on graph layout)
Segment 2: From point B to point C
Segment 3: From point C to point D
Segment 4: From point D to point E
Next, calculate the slope for each segment:
**Segment 1 (A to B):**
* Identify coordinates for points A and B.
* Calculate slope: m1=change in xchange in y.
**Segment 2 (B to C):**
* Identify coordinates for points B and C.
* Calculate slope: m2.
**Segment 3 (C to D):**
* Identify coordinates of points C and D.
* Calculate slope: m3.
**Segment 4 (D to E):**
* Identify coordinates of points D and E.
* Calculate slope: m4.
Compare the slopes m1, m2, m3, and m4. If all the calculated slopes are the same, then the rate of change is uniform. If they differ, the rate of change is non-uniform.
Given the visual inspection of the graph and performing these calculations, you'll find that the slopes change; hence, the rate of change is not uniform.
Therefore, the solution to the problem is non-uniform.
Answer
Non-uniform
Exercise #5
Given the following graph, determine whether the rate of change is uniform or not
Video Solution
Step-by-Step Solution
To determine whether the rate of change in the graph is uniform, we must analyze the graph for consistency in slope across its span:
Step 1: Observe the graph shape.
Step 2: Check where the line is straight, showing no change in slope, and where it curves or changes slope, indicating non-uniform change.
Now, let's work through these steps:
Step 1: By visually inspecting the graph, note that it does not form a perfectly straight line but rather curves upwards. This indicates variability in the slopes along the graph.
Step 2: Since the graph curves, indicating that the slope is not the same throughout, we conclude that the rate of change is not constant.
The curvature implies that the rate of change is non-uniform, as it varies at different points along the x-axis. Therefore, the slope is inconsistent, confirming non-uniformity.
Therefore, the graph shows a non-uniform rate of change.
Answer
Non-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:
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