Final answer:
The change in finishing time with a wind speed of -8 meters per second using the equation y = -0.003x^2 - 0.355x + 0.038, plug in x = -8 and solve for y. The result is a change of 2.686 seconds, which suggests the time would be faster.
Step-by-step explanation:
The equation given is y = -0.003x^2 - 0.355x + 0.038, where y represents the change in finishing time and x represents the wind speed in meters per second. To find the change in finishing time when the wind speed is -8 meters per second, substitute x with -8 in the equation:
y = -0.003(-8)^2 - 0.355(-8) + 0.038
y = -0.003(64) + 2.84 + 0.038
y = -0.192 + 2.84 + 0.038
y = 2.686
The change in finishing time would be 2.686 seconds faster assuming a negative value indicates a faster time due to the wind's effect.