Final answer:
To determine how long the skydiver should wait before pulling the parachute cord, the equation d(t) = 16t^2 can be solved for 't' given the distance of 8,500 feet. However, the correct time calculated does not match any of the provided options, suggesting a mistake in the options given.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asks us to calculate the time a skydiver should wait before pulling the parachute cord after jumping from 13,500 feet and planning to do so at 5,000 feet above the ground. The equation for the distance traveled during freefall is given by d(t) = 16t^2. The difference in altitude at which the skydiver would pull the parachute is 13,500 feet - 5,000 feet = 8,500 feet.
To find the time the skydiver should wait before pulling the cord, we simply set the equation for distance equal to 8,500 and solve for 't':
16t^2 = 8500
t^2 = 8500 / 16
t^2 = 531.25
t = √531.25
t ≈ 23.05 seconds
However, none of the options given match the correct calculation. It seems there might be a mistake in the provided options. The right answer is approximately 23.05 seconds, which doesn't match any of the multiple-choice answers (A) 35 seconds, (B) 100 seconds, (C) 70 seconds, or (D) 75 seconds.