Question

How are rates calculated?

Answer 1

Rates are calculating by dividing mathematically two quantities.

Explanation:

Mathematically speaking, any rate will respect the formula:

`rate=(Deltax)/(Deltay)`, where `x` and `y` are arbitrary variables, generally uncorrelated, e.g space and time.

In a more advanced notation, using calculus:

`rate=(dx)/(dy)=x'`, which means the derivative of `x`.

So, to calculate a rate, you must have two values changing, you fix a time, or any equivalent measure, and calculate their changes, then divide them. Your rate will tell you how the numerator variable changes with the denominator variable.

Examples are: velocity - how space changes with time; acceleration - how the velocity changes with time. See that most rates, not necessary mandatory, will be something with respect time.

Some rates

• Population growth rate
• World energy consumption

See for more: Rate (mathematics)