Answer:
-6
Step-by-step explanation:
The average rate of change of a function, f(x), on interval [a,b] is (f(b)-f(a))/(b-a).
So the avereage rate of change of a function, f(x)=x^2+5x+1, on [-9,-2] is
(f(-2)-f(-9))/(-2--9)
(f(-2)-f(-9))/(7)
Stop!
To find f(-2), you replace x in f(x) = x^2 + 5x + 1, with (-2) giving you f(-2)=(-2)^2+5(-2)+1=4-10+1=-6+1=-5.
To find f(-9), you replace x in f(x) = x^2 + 5x + 1, with (-9) giving you f(-2)=(-9)^2+5(-9)+1=81-45+1=36+1=37.
Continue!
(f(-2)-f(-9))/(7)
=(-5-37)/7
=(-42)/7
=-42/7
=-6