Question

Plane A is descending toward the local airport, and plane B is ascending from the same airport. Plane A is descending at a rate of 2,500 feet per minute. Plane B is ascending at a rate of 4,000 feet per minute. If plane A is currently at an altitude of 14,000 feet and plane B is at an altitude of 1,000 feet, how long will it take them to be at the same altitude? The equation representing plane A’s descent is y = -2,500x + 14,000. The equation representing plane B’s ascent is y = 4,000x + 1,000. In both equations, y represents altitude and x represents time in minutes.

Answer 1

Do you know the adjustments for the graph to show the intersecting lines.

Answer 2

Answer: 2 minutes

Explanation:

Given the following :

Plane A's descent :

y = -2,500x + 14,000

Plane B's Ascent :

y = 4,000x + 1,000

where y = altitude x = minute

Time to be at the same altitude :

Being at the same altitude means ;

Plane A's descent = Plane B's Ascent

-2,500x + 14,000 = 4,000x + 1,000

-2500x - 4000x = 1000 - 14000

-6500x = - 13000

x = 13000 / 6500

x = 2

x = 2minutes.