Question

A climber is on a strenuous hike. After 2 hours, her altitude is 7500 feet. After 5 hours, her altitude is 10,500 feet. What is her average rate of change of her altitude?

(A) 1500 ft/hr
(B) 600 ft/hr
(C) 1000 ft/hr
(D) 2100 ft/hr

Answer 1

The climber's average rate of change of altitude is found by dividing the change in altitude (3000 feet) by the change in time (3 hours), resulting in an average rate of 1000 ft/hr, option (C).

Step-by-step explanation:

To determine the average rate of change of the climber's altitude, we use the formula for the rate of change which is the change in altitude divided by the change in time. The climber's altitude increased from 7500 feet to 10500 feet, which is a change of 3000 feet. The time increased from 2 hours to 5 hours, which is a change of 3 hours.

To find the average rate of change, we divide the total change in altitude (3000 feet) by the total change in time (3 hours):

Average rate of change = (Change in altitude) / (Change in time)

Average rate of change = 3000 feet / 3 hours = 1000 ft/hr

Therefore, the average rate of change of the climber's altitude is 1000 ft/hr, which corresponds to option (C).