Rates Of Change Portfolio

Tymofiy Spektor
December 2023

Contents
1 What is rate of change? 2
1.1 What is average rate of change? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
1.2 What is secant line? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
1.3 What is instantaneous rate of change? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
1.4 What is tangent line? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

2 Polynomial function and Instantaneous rates of change 8

2.1 Affect of the defining characteristics of the function on the rate
of change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
2.2 Rate of change across the domain of the function . . . . . . . . . 8
2.3 Real-world Problem Example . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

3 Rational functions and Instantaneous rates of change 11

3.1 Affect of the defining characteristics of the function on the rate
of change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
3.2 Rate of change across the domain of the function . . . . . . . . . 11
3.3 Real-world Problem Example . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

4 Logarithmic function and Instantaneous rates of change 14

4.1 Affect of the defining characteristics of the function on the rate
of change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
4.2 Rate of change across the domain of the function . . . . . . . . . 14
4.3 Real-world Problem Example . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

5 Trigonometric functions and Instantaneous rates of change 17

5.1 Affect of the defining characteristics of the function on the rate
of change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
5.2 Rate of change across the domain of the function . . . . . . . . . 17
5.3 Real-world Problem Example . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

1
1 What is rate of change?
Rate of change is a rate that describes how much the dependant variable changes
based on the change of the in-dependant variable.
change in y
Rate of change = change in x

Where x is in-dependant and y is dependant variables.

Rates of change can be both positive and negative, this property corresponds to
the increase/decrease of y value between 2 points, that were taken as data points.

Examples:

Positive rate of change

10

(3,6)
5 f (x) = 2x

(1,2)
−10 −5 5 10

−5

−10

In this example rate of change is equal to:

y2 −y1
Rate of change = x2 −x1

6−2
Rate of change = 3−1

4
Rate of change = 2

Rate of change = 2

It is positive because the overall function is increasing.

2
 Positive rate of change
10

−10 −5 5 10
(1,-2)

−5 f (x) = −2x
(3,-6)

−10

In this example rate of change is equal to:

y2 −y1
Rate of change = x2 −x1

−6−(−2)
Rate of change = 3−1

−6+2
Rate of change = 3−1

−4
Rate of change = 2

Rate of change = −2

It is negative because the overall function is decreasing.

1.1 What is average rate of change?

Average rate of change is a rate of change in the given interval (between to
points). The average rate of change can be modeled with the following equation.
y2 −y1
Rate of change = x2 −x1

Where x1 and y1 are coordinates of the first point and x2 and y2 are coor-
dinates of the second point.

Example:

3
 average rate of change
f (x) = x2
20

10 (3,9)

−20 −10 (0,0) 10 20

−10

−20

In this example rate of change is equal to:

y2 −y1
Rate of change = x2 −x1

9−0
Rate of change = 3−0

9
Rate of change = 3

Rate of change = 3

1.2 What is secant line?

The secant line is the line that intersects the curve in two distinct points. It has
a property related to the rate of change, namely the slope of the secant line is
equal to the average rate of change between two points it intersects. So to find
the equation of the secant line, first you have to find the average rate of change
between given point, and then substitute any point’s coordinates as y1 and x1
into this equation: y − y1 = a(x − x1 ), and finally solve for y.

4
 secant line
f (x) = x2
20
g(x) = 2x + 8
(4,16)
10
(-2,4)

−20 −10 10 20

−10

−20

y2 −y1
a = Rate of change = x2 −x1

16−4)
Rate of change = 4−(−2)

16−4
Rate of change = 4+2

12
Rate of change = 6

Rate of change = 2

a=2

Now substitute first point coordinates and ”a” into y − y1 = a(x − x1 ) and
solve/isolate y

y − y1 = a(x − x1 )

y − 4 = 2(x − (−2))

y − 4 = 2(x + 2))

y = 2(x + 2) + 4)

y = 2x + 4 + 4

y = 2x + 8

That is how we get the equation of the secant line between two points.

5
1.3 What is instantaneous rate of change?
The instantaneous rate of change is a rate of change at the specific singular point
in the function, i the course MHF4U it is impossible to accurately compute
this rate of change, because finding it requires some calculus basis, namely
limit. So, for now to calculate instantaneous rate of change at given point, i am
going to calculate the average rate of change between two points infinitely/very
close to the given point. For example: instantaneous rate of change at the
point (x, f (x)), will be calculated as average rate of change between points
(x − 10−5 , f (x − 10−5 )) and (x + 10−5 , f (x + 10−5 ))

1.4 What is tangent line?

Tangent line is a line that touches the curve in a single point. Its slope is equal
to the instantaneous rate of change at the touching point. To find the equa-
tion of the tangent line first fins its slope/instantaneous rate of change at the
touching point, then substitute it into the y − y1 = a(x − x1 ) equation, and
finally solve for y. Because I calculate instantaneous rate of change as average
rate of change for x1 and y1 in the equation we can substitute x − 0.00001 and
f (x − 0.00001) accordingly.
Example: lets find instantaneous rate of change at f(2) and draw a tangent line.

tangent line
f (x) = x2
20

10 (3,9)

−10 −5 5 10

−10

−20

6
 f (x+0.00001)−f (x−0.00001)
a = Instantaneous rate of change = (x+0.00001)−(x−0.00001)

9.00006−8.99994
a= 3.00001−2.99999

0.00012
a= 0.00002

a=6

Now substitute point coordinates and ”a” into y−yp = a(x−xp ) and solve/isolate
y

y − 9 = 6(x − 3)

y − 9 = 6x − 18

y − 9 = 6x − 18 + 9

y = 6x − 9

Result:

tangent line
f (x) = x2
20 y = 6x − 9

10 (3,9)

−10 −5 5 10

−10

−20

7
2 Polynomial function and Instantaneous rates
of change
2.1 Affect of the defining characteristics of the function
on the rate of change
Polynomial functions consists of the sum of finite terms. Each of the terms is
the product of its coefficient and a variable raised to some power. This type of
function does not have asymptotes and periodic behavior, so there is no direct
affect on the calculation of the rate of change. It has turning points on which the
Instantaneous rate of change is equal to 0 and tangent line is constant. It also
may have min and max points, rate of change will be positive when leading up to
the max point and negative after the maximum. The rate of change is negative
leading up to minimum point and positive after minimum (These rules also
apply to local mins and maxs).Everywhere else instantaneous rate of change is
negative when function decreases and positive when function increases, tangent
line follow the direction (increase/decrease) of the function.

2.2 Rate of change across the domain of the function

Example function: f (x) = (x − 2) (x + 3) (x − 5) (x − 7)

Polynomial function
1,500
y

1,000 f (x)

500

x
−4 −2 2 4 6 8 10

Behaviour of Instantaneous rate of change:

As x →
− −∞, y → − +∞, Rate of change → − −∞
As x →
− +∞, y → − +∞, Rate of change → − +∞
At all of the 3 turning points rate of change is equal to 0.
On increase sections of the function rate of change is positive.
On decrase sections of the functions rate of change is negative.

8
2.3 Real-world Problem Example
A distance between the car and the finish line can be modeled by the function:
D(t) = −2t3 + 5t2 − 3t + 10. Where D(t) is a number of meters to the finish line,
and t is time in second passed. You are asked to find the speed(instantaneous
rate of change) of the car toward the finish at 2 seconds in the race. Then, based
on it, draw the tangent line to visually determine when the car would reach the
finish if it would maintain the same current speed.

Polynomial function
15

10
D(t)

A(2,y)

D(t)
0
0 1 2 3 4 5
t

First let’s find the y coordinate of the point A

y = D(2)

y = −2 · 23 + 5 · 22 − 3 · 2 + 10

y = −2 · 8 + 5 · 4 − 3 · 2 + 10

y = −16 + 20 − 6 + 10

y = 30 − 22

y=8

After we found position of the asked point we can resume by finding the in-
stantaneous rate of change
D(2+0.00001)−D(2−0.00001)
Instantaneous rate of change = (2+0.00001)−(2−0.00001)

9
 −0.00014
Instantaneous rate of change = 0.00002

Instantaneous rate of change = −7

after finding rate of change we can proceed with finding the equation of the
tangent line. We shouldn’t worry about rate of change being negative, because
to reach the finish line distance should decrease, therefore the value function
should also decrease.

a = instantaneous rate of change = −7

substitute slope ”a” and coordinates of the point ”A” into y − yp = a(x − xp )
and isolate y to find equation of the tangent line.

y − 8 = −7(x − 2)

y − 8 = −7x + 14

y = −7x + 14 + 8

y = −7x + 22

Equation of the tangent line is: y = −7x + 22. Now let’s draw function D(t)
and a tangent line

10
 Polynomial function
15

10
D(t)

A(2,y)

5 y = −7x + 22

D(t)
0
0 1 2 3 4 5
t

finally after drawing the tangent line we can visually determine that if the
car will maintain its speed after the two seconds it will reach the finish line in
approximately 3.1 seconds.

3 Rational functions and Instantaneous rates of

change
3.1 Affect of the defining characteristics of the function
on the rate of change
P (x)
Rational functions is represented by a ratio of two polynomials. Q(x) where P (x)
and Q(x) are polynomials. Domain of these function includes every real number
except the those where Q(x) = 0. This restriction in the domain causes vertical
asymptotes to appear. Rates of change are undefined at the VA. Canceling
similar terms from numerator and denominator causes a hole to appear on the
function. Rates of change are undefined at the holes of the function. In addition
rational functions have horizontal asymptotes that does not directly affect rate
of change.

3.2 Rate of change across the domain of the function

(x−1)
Example function: f (x) = (x−2)(x−5)

11
As x →− −∞, y → − 0− , rate of change →
− 0−
As x →− +∞, y → +
− 0 , rate of change →− 0−
On the first section of increase just before the first vertical asymptote at x=2
rate of change approaches positive infinity then right after that asymptote it
starts to approach up to 0. On the turning point it equals 0. Then after the
turning point it starts decreasing up to negative infinity when approaching sec-
ond VA at x=5. And right after second VA from negative infinity its starts to
approach 0 again.
At the VAs at 2 and 5 rate of change is undefined.

3.3 Real-world Problem Example

A rational function: H(t) = (x−3)(x+4)
(x−2) , with the domain x ∈ [0, 15] and re-
striction: x ̸= 2 records first 15 seconds of the helicopter height. where H(t) is
distance between the ground and the helicopter in meters, and t is time passed
in seconds. You are asked to find instantaneous rate of change at the given
point D, to find the helicopter’s speed at 4 seconds of the record.

12
 Rational function
20

H(t)
15
H(t)
H(t)

10

5
D(4,4)

0
2 4 6 8 10 12 14
t

First find instantaneous rate of change at the point D

H(Dx +0.00001)−H(Dx −0.00001)
instantaneous ate of change = (Dx +0.00001)−(Dx −0.00001)

H(4+0.00001)−H(4−0.00001)
instantaneous ate of change = (4+0.00001)−(4−0.00001)

0.0005
instantaneous ate of change = 0.00002

instantaneous ate of change = 2.5

We know that instantaneous rate of change is equal to the slope of the tan-
gent line, so next step is to find the equation of it. To find it substitute D
point’s coordinates and the slope into y − yp = a(x − xp ) equation, and isolate
the y.

y − 4 = 2.5(x − 4)

y − 4 = 2.5x − 6

y = 2.5x − 10 + 4

y = 2.5x − 6

13
 H(t)

Results:

Rational function
20

H(t)
15
H(t)

10

5
D(4,4)

0
2 4 6 8 10 12 14
t

4 Logarithmic function and Instantaneous rates

of change
4.1 Affect of the defining characteristics of the function
on the rate of change
Logarithmic function is the inverse of the exponent function. Its only charac-
teristic that impacts rate of change is the end behavior of the function and the
VA at x=0.

4.2 Rate of change across the domain of the function

Example function: f (x) = log3 x

14
 Logarithmic function
10 y

5
f (x)

x
5 10 15 20 25 30

−5

−10

Behavior of the Instantaneous rate of change

As x →
− 0, y →
− −∞, Rate of change → − +∞.
As x →
− +∞, y →− +∞, Rate of change → − 0+ .
Rate of change is undefined at the VA at x=0

4.3 Real-world Problem Example

A bacteria colony doubles in size each hour. This growth can be modeled by
the equation T (p) = log2 p where T(p) is the time in hours at p population of
the bacteria in thousand. You are asked to find instantaneous rate of change
at the point where the population of the bacteria is equal to 32 thousands, and
draw tangent line at this point to visually demonstrate how the linear growth of
bacteria would look like if its speed would be equal to the one at 32 thousands
of bacteria.

15
 Logarithmic function
8

6 T (p)

A(32,y)
T (p)

0
0 10 20 30 40 50 60
p

Firstly, lets find y position of the given point A:

y = T (32)

y = log2 32

y=5
Secondly, now that we know full position of the point A(32,5) lets find Instan-
taneous rate of change at it.
T (32+0.00001)−T (32−0.00001)
Instantaneous rate of change = (32+0.00001)−(32−0.00001)

log2 32.00001−log2 31.99999

Instantaneous rate of change = 0.00002

Instantaneous rate of change = 0.045

thirdly, let’s find equation of the tangent line by substituting A point’s co-
ordinates and Instantaneous rate of change into the equation y − yp = a(x − xp )
and isolating y from it

y − 5 = 0.045(x − 32)

y − 5 = 0.045x − 1.44

y = 0.045x − 1.44 + 5

y = 0.045x + 3.56

16
Result:

Logarithmic function
8

6 T (p)
y = 0.045x + 3.56
A(32,y)
T (p)

0
0 10 20 30 40 50 60
p

5 Trigonometric functions and Instantaneous rates

of change
5.1 Affect of the defining characteristics of the function
on the rate of change
Trigonometric function is a function that relates angles of the right triangle to
the ratio of its sides(sin(), cos(), tan()). Its main features that affect rate of
change are: periodic structures, turning points, local extrema and axis of the
curvature. At turning points rate of change is 0, and tangent line is constant.
Periodic structure makes value of rate of change repeat each period. When
approaching function’s max or min output absolute value of the rate of change
decreases, but when rate of change approaches axis of the curvature if the given
function its absolute value increases.Rate of change changes its sign (positive
and negative value) accordingly increases and decreases of the function.

5.2 Rate of change across the domain of the function

Example function: f (x) = 2.5 sin(1.8x) + 1.2

17
 Trigonometric function
y
4

2
f (x)
x
−4 −2 2 4

−2

−4

Rate’s of change is largest absolute value is at full periods (about each 3.5
units) and lowest at turning points/extrema’s. Where the function decreases
rate of change is negative, where it increases rate of change is positive.

5.3 Real-world Problem Example

A height of the clothes in the spinning drum
of the washing machine can be
2π
modeled by the function H(t) = −0.5 cos 0.5 t + 0.5. Where H(t) is a height
in meters and t is time in seconds passed. Find instantaneous rate and draw
tangent line at the third quarter of the second spin. third quarter of the second
spin is the same thing as third quarter of a period, therefore we are asked to find
instantaneous rate of change and tangent line for point ( 3∗period
4 , H( 3∗period
4 )).
period of this function is 0.5

18
 Trigonometric function
2

1.5
H(t)

1
H(t)

0.5 B

0
0 0.5 1 1.5 2
t

First find the y coordinate of the point B:

y = H(0.875)

2π


y = −0.5 cos 0.5 0.875 + 0.5

y = −0.5 ∗ 0 + 0.5

y = 0.5

Now we can proceed by finding instantaneous rate of change at the point

B(0.875, 0.5)
H(0.875+0.00001)−H(0.875−0.00001)
instantaneous rate of change = (0.875+0.00001)−(0.875−0.00001)

−0.00012
instantaneous rate of change = 0.00002

instantaneous rate of change = −6

We know that instantaneous rate of change is equal to the slope of the tan-
gent line, so next step is to find the equation of it. To find it substitute B
point’s coordinates and the slope into y − yp = a(x − xp ) equation, and isolate
the y.

y − 0.5 = −6(x − 0.875)

19
y − 0.5 = −6x + 5.25

y = −6x + 5.25 + 0.5

y = −6x + 5.75

Result:

Trigonometric function
2

1.5
y = -6x + 5.75
H(t)

1
H(t)

0.5 B

0
0 0.5 1 1.5 2
t

20