IB skill practice

Estimate derivatives with central differences

Use nearby function values to estimate an instantaneous rate of change.

Paper 1, Paper 2 5 marks Difficulty 3

Estimate derivatives with central differences - exam scenario

Confirm the modelling meaning first. A coastal council model has \(f(x+0.7)=17\) and \(f(x-0.7)=12\). Estimate \(f'(x)\) using a central difference. Enter the requested value and choose the interpretation that matches the result.

Worked practice: result and interpretation

Calculate the requested result first, then choose the interpretation that follows from it.