Identify the two points or interval on the function
Find the function values at the two x-values
Subtract the y-values: change in y = f(b) – f(a)
Subtract the x-values: change in x = b – a
Divide the change in y by the change in x
Use the formula: average rate of change = [f(b) – f(a)] / (b – a)
Simplify the result