Question

PLZ HELP 75 POINTS

Pam goes skydiving and falls at a constant rate toward the ground. The equation y = -32x + 13,500 represents the situation where y is the height of Pam in feet above the ground and x is the seconds since she jumped.
Which statement describes the situation?

From a starting position of 32 feet above the ground, she is ascending at 13,500 feet per second.

From a starting position of 13,500 feet above the ground, she is descending at 32 feet per second.

From a starting position of 13,500 feet above the ground, she is ascending at 32 feet per second.

From a starting position of 32 feet above the ground, she is descending at 13,500 feet per second.

Answer 1

I believe the answer is B) From a starting position of 13,500 feet above the ground, she is descending at 32 feet per second.

D does not make since because if you start at 32ft you can't fall 13,500ft. There is nowhere for you to go.

A and C don't make since because you can't fall upward.

Explanation:

The equation is in slope intercept form.

The slope (m) is -32. This can be used as a unit rate: -32 ft per second.

The y-intercept (b) is 13,500. It would make most sense if she started at 13,500 ft in height.

From a starting position of 13,500 feet above the ground, Pam is descending at 32 feet per second.