Question

A cave explorer is at an elevation of negative 38 feet. The explorer starts moving at a rate of negative 12 feet per minute. Identify an inequality that represents the numbers of minutes x it will take the explorer to reach an elevation deeper than negative 200 feet.

Answer 1

-38 - 12x < 200

Step-by-step explanation

Given,

The original elevation = -38 feet,

Also, the explorer starts moving at a rate of negative 12 feet per minute.

So, the distance covered by explorer after x minutes = -12x feet,

Thus, the final elevation = original elevation + distance covered by explorer

= -38 - 12x

According to the question,

final elevation < -200 feet

⇒ -38 - 12x < 200

Which is the required inequality.

Answer 2

-38 - 12x < 200

Explanation:

Given,

The original elevation = -38 feet,

Also, the explorer starts moving at a rate of negative 12 feet per minute.

So, the distance covered by explorer after x minutes = -12x feet,

Thus, the final elevation = original elevation + distance covered by explorer

= -38 - 12x

According to the question,

final elevation < -200 feet

⇒ -38 - 12x < 200

Which is the required inequality.