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Bench reference · 254 terms

Words worth knowing

Start with the plain-language meaning, then reach for the technical definition when you need precision.

Showing 1 term

Rate

Also: rate of change

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In plain language

How much one quantity changes per unit of another, commonly per time.

Technical definition

An instantaneous rate is a derivative; an interval rate is a finite difference and may hide variation within the interval.

Example Moving 1.2 m in 4 s gives an average speed of 0.3 m/s.

Common misconception An average rate does not prove the rate was constant.