Question

A scuba diver dove from the surface of the ocean to an elevation of -79(9/10) feet at a rate of -18.8 feet per minute. After spending 12.75 minutes at that elevation, the diver ascended to an elevation of -28(9/10) feet. The total time for the dive so far was 19(1/8) minutes. What was the rate of change in the diver's elevation during the ascent?

A) 18.8 feet per minute
B) -18.8 feet per minute
C) 9.9 feet per minute
D) -9.9 feet per minute

Answer 1

The rate of change in the diver's elevation during the ascent is 8.05 feet per minute.

Step-by-step explanation:

To find the rate of change in the diver's elevation during the ascent, we need to calculate the difference in elevation and divide it by the time taken. The difference in elevation is -28(9/10) feet minus -79(9/10) feet, which is 51 feet. The time taken is 19(1/8) minutes minus 12.75 minutes, which is 6.33 minutes. Dividing the difference in elevation by the time taken gives us a rate of change of approximately 8.05 feet per minute. Therefore, the answer is C) 8.05 feet per minute.