Calculate an Average Rate of Change from Two Points

5.10.1 Calculate an Average Rate of Change from Two Points

5.10.1 • Calculate an Average Rate of Change from Two Points

Warm Up

Let $p$ be the function that gives the cost $p (t)$ , in dollars, of producing 1 watt of solar energy $t$ years after 1977. Here is a table showing the values of $p$ from 1977 to 1987.

$t$	$p (t)$
0	80
1	60
2	45
3	33.75
4	25.31
5	18.98
6	14.24
7	10.68
8	8.01
9	6.01
10	4.51

Which expression best represents the average rate of change in solar cost between 1977 and 1987?

a. $p (10) - p (0)$

b. $p (10)$

c. $\frac{p (10) - p (0)}{10 - 0}$

d. $\frac{p (10)}{p (0)}$

Compare your answer:

$\frac{p (10) - p (0)}{10 - 0}$