Question

Susan's elevation at the top of a mountain is 1,530 meters. After 4 hours of climbing down her elevation is 680 meters.
What is susan's average change in elevation, in meters per hour?
a. -850
b. -382.50
c. -212.5
d. 167.5

Answer 1

To find Susan's average change in elevation per hour, we first need to calculate the total change in elevation over the 4-hour period.

1. **Initial Elevation**: 1,530 meters
2. **Final Elevation**: 680 meters

Now, we calculate the change in elevation:

\[
\text{Change in Elevation} = \text{Final Elevation} - \text{Initial Elevation}
\]
\[
\text{Change in Elevation} = 680 - 1530 = -850 \text{ meters}
\]

Next, we find the average change in elevation per hour:

\[
\text{Average Change in Elevation} = \frac{\text{Change in Elevation}}{\text{Time (in hours)}}
\]
\[
\text{Average Change in Elevation} = \frac{-850}{4} = -212.5 \text{ meters per hour}
\]

Therefore, the answer is:
c. -212.5