A bird is flying of an average altitude 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 the bird is descending.

1 answer

The quotient to describe the rate of change in the bird's altitude can be calculated by dividing the change in altitude by the change in time.

Change in altitude = altitude at the start - altitude at the end = 0 - 3 = -3 meters (since the bird is descending)

Change in time = time at the end - time at the start = 3 - 0 = 3 seconds

So, the quotient is: -3 meters / 3 seconds = -1 meter/second

Interpreting the quotient, the bird's altitude is decreasing at a rate of 1 meter per second.