The table shows values for a quadratic function. What is the average rate of change for this function for the interval from x=2 to x=4

ANSWER
C. 12
EXPLANATION
The average rate of change of a function ,f(x) from x=a to x=b is given by:
[tex] \frac{f(b) - f(a)}{b - a} [/tex]
We want to find the average rate of change of the quadratic function represented by the table for the interval from x=2 to x=4.
From the table, we have
[tex]f(4) = 32[/tex]
and
[tex]f(2) = 8[/tex]
The average rate of is
[tex] \frac{f(4) - f(2)}{4 - 2} = \frac{32 - 8}{2} = \frac{24}{2} = 12[/tex]
Geometrically, the average rate of change represents the slope of the secant line joining the points (4,32) and (2,8) on the given quadratic function.
The correct choice is C.
Answer: OPTION C.
Step-by-step explanation:
In order to find the average rate of change for this function for the given quadratic function, for the interval from [tex]x=2[/tex] to [tex]x=4[/tex], you can use this formula:
[tex]average\ rate\ of\ change[/tex][tex]=\frac{f(b)-f(a)}{b-a}[/tex]
In this case, you can identify that:
[tex]f(b)=8\\f(a)=32\\\\b=2\\\\a=4[/tex]
Then, substituting values into the formula, you get this result:
[tex]average\ rate\ of\ change=\frac{8-32}{2-4}=12[/tex]
This matches with the option C.