Final answer:
To calculate the submarine's depth after 7 minutes, multiply the ascent rate of 13.8 feet per minute by 7, then add this to the initial depth of -360 feet. The result is -263.4 feet, indicating the submarine's depth after 7 minutes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The expression -360 + 13.8Z represents a submarine's depth in feet below sea level, with Z being the time in minutes. To find the depth of the submarine after 7 minutes, you would substitute 7 for Z in the equation. Here's the step-by-step calculation:
- Start with the initial depth of -360 feet.
- Since the submarine ascends at a rate of 13.8 feet per minute, multiply 13.8 by 7 (the number of minutes).
- Add the result from step 2 to the initial depth.
- -360 + (13.8 * 7) = -360 + 96.6
- The calculation gives us -360 + 96.6 = -263.4 feet.
- Therefore, the submarine's depth after 7 minutes is -263.4 feet below sea level.