Difference Quotient
Definition
The difference quotient measures the average rate at which a quantity changes over an interval by taking the difference between two points on a graph and dividing it by their corresponding x-values.
Related terms
Limit Definition of Derivative: A formula that uses difference quotients to find derivatives.
Tangent Line Approximation: An estimation technique that uses difference quotients to approximate the slope of a curve at a specific point.
Instantaneous Rate of Change: The rate at which a quantity is changing at a specific moment in time.
"Difference Quotient" appears in:
Study guides (2)
AP Calculus AB/BC - 2.2 Defining the Derivative of a Function and Using Derivative Notation
AP Calculus AB/BC - 2.3 Estimating Derivatives of a Function at a Point
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AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.