The height, h , of a falling object t seconds after it is dropped from a platform 300 feet above the ground is modeled by the function h of t is equal to 300 minus 16 t squared Which expression could be used to determine the average rate at which the object falls during the first 3 seconds of its fall?
Answer
A
h of 3 over 3
B
h of 3 minus h of 0
C
the fraction with numerator h of 3 minus h of 0 and denominator 3
D
h of 3 thirds minus h of 0 thirds
Explanation
The average rate of change over the first 3 seconds is the change in height divided by the change in time: [h(3) − h(0)] ÷ (3 − 0). Since the time interval is 3 seconds, this is [h(3) − h(0)]/3, which is choice C. The other expressions do not divide the change in height by the elapsed time.
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