A dolphin jumped above the surface of the water. It reached an altitude of 3.5 meters above the surface of the water and then dove 10 meters below the surface of the water. It went from its highest point above the water to its lowest depth in 12.5 seconds. Interpret the quotient to describe the average rate of change in the dolphin’s position. Give your answer to the nearest hundredth.(1 point)

To find the average rate of change in the dolphin's position, we need to determine the total change in position and the time over which this change occurs.

1. **Calculate the highest point**: The dolphin reaches a height of 3.5 meters above the surface of the water.
2. **Calculate the lowest point**: The dolphin dives to a depth of 10 meters below the surface of the water. In terms of position relative to the surface, this would be -10 meters (below the water).

3. **Total change in position**:
- Starting position (highest point): 3.5 meters
- Ending position (lowest point): -10 meters
- Total change in position = Ending position - Starting position
\[
\text{Total change} = -10 - 3.5 = -13.5 \text{ meters}
\]

4. **Time taken**: The dolphin takes 12.5 seconds for this change.

5. **Average rate of change**:
\[
\text{Average rate of change} = \frac{\text{Total change in position}}{\text{Time}} = \frac{-13.5 \text{ meters}}{12.5 \text{ seconds}} = -1.08 \text{ meters/second}
\]

Thus, the quotient that describes the rate of change in the dolphin’s position is \(-1.08\) meters/second.

The correct response is:

**The quotient that describes the rate of change in the dolphin’s position is −1.08 meters/second.**