7.2.1 The Average Rate of Change of a Function

By analyzing the motion of a ball thrown straight up in the air, this activity is designed to introduce the average rate of change of function. The intent of this activity is to set the foundation ideas necessary for the development of the instantaneous rate of change (the derivative) as the limit of the average rate of change. The development of the derivative would occur at a later date in time.

By Julie Reulbach