A bird is flying at an average altitude of 10 meters 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 that the bird is descending.(1 point)

Question

The quotient that best represents the rate of change in the bird’s altitude is

Answer 1

To find the rate of change in the bird's altitude as it descends, we can use the formula for the rate of change, which is the change in altitude divided by the change in time.

1. Initial Altitude: 10 meters
2. Final Altitude: 3 meters
3. Change in Altitude: \( 3 , \text{meters} - 10 , \text{meters} = -7 , \text{meters} \) (the negative sign indicates a descent)
4. Change in Time: 3 seconds

Now we can calculate the rate of change:

\[ \text{Rate of Change} = \frac{\text{Change in Altitude}}{\text{Change in Time}} = \frac{-7 , \text{meters}}{3 , \text{seconds}} \approx -2.33 , \text{meters per second} \]

Thus, the quotient that best represents the rate of change in the bird’s altitude is \(-2.33\) meters per second.