Question

In the year 1999, the surface elevation of Lake Powell was 3893 feet above sea level. In the year 2005, the surface elevation of Lake Powell was 3425.6 feet above sea level. Interpret the rate of change in this situation.

Answer 1

Rate of Change = -77.9 feet/year

My interpretation: "Is Bad."

Explanation:

The rate of change is the number of feet that Lake Powell dropped, divided by the number of years the drop took place. We want a value with a unit of feet/year.

Year Feet

1999 3893

2005 3425.6

Change

Year = (2005 - 1999) or 6 years

Feet = (3425.6 - 3893) or -467.4 feet

Rate of Change = (-467.4 feet)/(6 years)

Rate of Change = -77.9 feet/year

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FYI: Lake Powell is 22.39 feet lower today (June 23, 2022) than it was 1 year ago.