There are three pictures in Figure 18.29 (below) which can be used to find the growth rate of the boy. Explain what is being illustrated with this sequence of drawings. Why do you think we might title this sequence of illustrations "instantaneous growth rate"?

Figure 18.29

Transcribed Image Text:

Inches tall 80 70 60- 50 40 30 20 10 0 0 HEIGHT MEASURED EVERY FIVE YEARS 10 Years old A rough estimate of a man's growth from childhood to maturity is obtained by measuring his height every five years. The straight lines between heads show the rate of growth. 15 20 Inches tall 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 HEIGHT MEASURED EVERY YEAR 5 10 Years old A more accurate approximation of growth is obtained by taking yearly measurements. The straight lines connecting the heads now begin to blend into a continuous curve. 15 20 Inches tall 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 HEIGHT MEASURED EVERY SIX MONTHS 10 Years old 15 20 Measurements taken every six months give a still more accurate rate-of-growth line. With increasingly smaller intervals, the lines merge into an ever-smoother curve.