Question

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)
The quotient that best represents the rate of change in the bird’s altitude is __ meters/second.

Answer 1

To find the rate of change in the bird's altitude, we start by determining the change in altitude and the time taken for this change.

1. **Initial altitude**: 10 meters
2. **Final altitude**: 3 meters
3. **Change in altitude**: \(10 \, \text{meters} - 3 \, \text{meters} = 7 \, \text{meters}\)
4. **Time taken**: 3 seconds

Now, we calculate the rate of change in altitude (which is negative because the bird is descending):

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

So, the quotient that best represents the rate of change in the bird's altitude is **-2.33 meters/second**.