Question

A Mars rover descended from the rim of a crater at a constant rate. After 2 days, the rover's elevation was 106 meters. After 6 days, its elevation was 48 meters. What elevation did the rover start at? ____meters Complete the equation that describes the relationship between the rover's elevation in meters, E, and the elapsed time in days, t. Write your answer using whole numbers or decimals rounded to the nearest tenth. E= ___ t+____

Answer 1

135

E = - 14.5t + 135

Explanation:

Given that, descent rate is constant ;

Elevation after 2 days = 106 m

Elevation after 6 days = 48 m

Let

Rate of elevation per day= x

Initial elevation = a

Hence,

a - 2x = 106 - - - (1)

a - 6x = 48 ___(2)

-2x + 6x = 106 - 48

4x = 58

x = 58/4

x = 14.5 meters per day

Hence, initial elevation :

a - 2(14.5) = 106

a - 29 = 106

a = 106 + 29

a = 135

Relationship between Rover's elevation, E and elapsed time, t

E = - 14.5t + 135

-14.5 = rate per day