Rates of change can be positive or negative. This corresponds to an increase or decrease in the y -value between the two data points. When a quantity does not change over time, it is called zero rate of change.



Example: Use the table to find the rate of change. Then graph it.
A rate of change is a rate that describes how one quantity changes in relation to another quantity.
rate of change = change in y / change in x
= change in distance / change in time
= 160 − 80 / 4 − 2
= 80/2
= 40/1
= 40
The rate of change is 40/1 or 40 . This means a vehicle is traveling at a rate of 40 miles per hour.
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