Question

A bird is flying of an average altitude above the ground. After 3 seconds, it settles on a branch that is 3 meters above the ground. Interpret the quotient to describe the rate of change in the bird's altitude. Give your answer to the nearest hundredth and remember the bird is descending.

Answer 1

The quotient to describe the rate of change in the bird's altitude can be calculated by dividing the change in altitude by the change in time.

Change in altitude = altitude at the start - altitude at the end = 0 - 3 = -3 meters (since the bird is descending)

Change in time = time at the end - time at the start = 3 - 0 = 3 seconds

So, the quotient is: -3 meters / 3 seconds = -1 meter/second

Interpreting the quotient, the bird's altitude is decreasing at a rate of 1 meter per second.