Instantaneous Rate of Change

Definition

The instantaneous rate of change refers to the rate at which a function is changing at a specific point. It measures how quickly the output of a function is changing with respect to the input at that particular instant.

Related terms

Average Rate of Change: This term refers to the overall rate at which a function changes over an interval. It calculates the total change in output divided by the total change in input.

Derivative: The derivative of a function represents its instantaneous rate of change at any given point. It gives us information about how the function is behaving locally.

Tangent Line: A tangent line to a curve represents the instantaneous rate of change at a specific point on that curve. It touches the curve only at that point and has the same slope as the curve at that point.