This tool computes the average rate of change of a function over a specified interval. It numerically approximates the slope of the secant line connecting two points on the function’s graph. For instance, if analyzing the position of an object over time, this calculation yields the average velocity between two given time points. The result is a single numerical value representing how much the function’s output changes, on average, for each unit change in its input over the interval in question.
This calculation is fundamental to understanding the behavior of functions and is a crucial concept in calculus. It serves as a precursor to the derivative, which represents the instantaneous rate of change. Historically, understanding average rates of change was essential in fields like physics and engineering, allowing for estimations and predictions about dynamic systems before the advent of more sophisticated mathematical tools.