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.**