To find the average rate of change in the dolphin’s position from its highest point to its lowest depth, we start by determining the total change in position.
- The highest point above the water is +3.5 meters.
- The lowest point below the water is -10 meters.
To find the total change in position, we calculate: \[ \text{Total change} = \text{Lowest point} - \text{Highest point} = -10 , \text{meters} - 3.5 , \text{meters} = -10 - 3.5 = -13.5 , \text{meters}. \]
Next, we divide this change in position by the total time taken for the change, which is 12.5 seconds: \[ \text{Average rate of change} = \frac{\text{Total change}}{\text{Total time}} = \frac{-13.5 , \text{meters}}{12.5 , \text{seconds}}. \]
Calculating this gives: \[ \text{Average rate of change} = \frac{-13.5}{12.5} \approx -1.08 , \text{meters/second}. \]
Thus, the quotient that describes the rate of change in the dolphin's position is \(-1.08\) meters/second.
Therefore, the correct answer is:
- The quotient that describes the rate of change in the dolphin’s position is −1.08 meters/second.