$($Topic $1\mathrm{.}2)$ Values of the function f are pro$-$

vided for points near x$=2$ and x$=4,$ respec$-$

tively.

Based on the average rates of change near

x$=2$ and x$=4,$ which of the following is

the most reasonable assumption?

$($A$)$ The rate of change of f at x$=2$ is greater

than the rate of change of f at x$=4.$

$($B$)$ The rate of change of f at x$=2$ is equal

to the rate of change of f at x$=4.$

$($C$)$ The rate of change of f at x$=2$ is less

than the rate of change of f at x$=4.$

$($D$)$ The rate of change of f cannot be esti$-$

mated at x$=2$ or x$=4$ without the values

of f$(2)$ and f$(4).$