High School

The speed of an elevator (in feet per second) is modeled by the function [tex]f(x)=1.6875x[/tex], where [tex]x[/tex] is time in seconds. Estimate the average rate of change between 3.9 seconds and 8.2 seconds. Round the final answer to two decimal places.

A. about 1.69 feet/second
B. about 6.75 feet/second
C. about 0.59 feet/second
D. about 4.00 feet/second

Answer :

To estimate the average rate of change of the elevator's speed between 3.9 seconds and 8.2 seconds, follow these steps:

1. Understand the Function:
The speed of the elevator is given by the function [tex]\( f(x) = 1.6875x \)[/tex], where [tex]\( x \)[/tex] is the time in seconds.

2. Calculate the Speed at [tex]\( x = 3.9 \)[/tex] seconds:
[tex]\[
f(3.9) = 1.6875 \times 3.9 = 6.58 \text{ feet per second}
\][/tex]

3. Calculate the Speed at [tex]\( x = 8.2 \)[/tex] seconds:
[tex]\[
f(8.2) = 1.6875 \times 8.2 = 13.84 \text{ feet per second}
\][/tex]

4. Determine the Average Rate of Change:
The average rate of change for a function between two points [tex]\( x = a \)[/tex] and [tex]\( x = b \)[/tex] is calculated as:
[tex]\[
\frac{f(b) - f(a)}{b - a}
\][/tex]
Substitute the given values:
[tex]\[
\frac{13.84 - 6.58}{8.2 - 3.9} = \frac{7.26}{4.3} \approx 1.69
\][/tex]

5. Conclusion:
The average rate of change of the elevator's speed between 3.9 seconds and 8.2 seconds is approximately [tex]\( 1.69 \)[/tex] feet per second.

Thus, the correct choice is about 1.69 feet/second.