The function f(x) = 1.1x3 − 35x2 + 264x + 557 models the number of discharges, f(x), under...

The function f(x) = 1.1x3 − 35x2 + 264x + 557 models the number of discharges, f(x), under “don’t ask, don’t tell” x years after 1994. Use this model and its graph, shown on the domain [0, 12], to solve Exercise.

a. Find the slope of the secant line, rounded to the nearest whole number, from x1 = 0 to x2 = 4.

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b. Does the slope from part (a) underestimate or overestimate the average yearly increase that you determined in Exercise? By how much?

Exercise

Find the average rate of change, rounded to the nearest whole number, from 1994 through 1998. Describe what this means.