Final answer:
To find the constant rate of change in the fish tank water level problem, we subtract the final amount of water from the initial amount and divide by the time passed, yielding a rate of -4 gallons per day.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question is asking to determine the constant rate of change in the context of the problem, where a fish tank loses water over time. To find this rate, we use the information given that the tank had 20 gallons of water after three days and only 12 gallons after five days.
To calculate the constant rate of change, you subtract the later amount of water from the earlier amount and divide by the time interval between the two measures. So, we calculate (12 gallons - 20 gallons) ÷ (5 days - 3 days). This simplifies to -8 gallons ÷ 2 days, which equals -4 gallons/day.
The negative sign indicates that the water level is decreasing at a rate of 4 gallons per day. This is the constant rate at which the fish tank is losing water.