The quotient in this problem is the rate of change in the balloon's altitude, which can be calculated by dividing the decrease in altitude (5,000 feet) by the time taken to make the adjustment (2.5 minutes):
Rate of change = Decrease in altitude / Time taken
Rate of change = 5000 feet / 2.5 minutes
Calculating this expression gives us:
Rate of change ≈ 2000 feet/minute
Therefore, the rate of change in the balloon's altitude is approximately 2000 feet per minute.
A hot air balloon pilot decides to fly 5,000 feet lower due to high wind. It takes the pilot 2.5 minutes to make this adjustment. Interpret the quotient to describe the rate of change in the balloon's altitude. Give your answer to the nearest hundredth, and remember the balloon is descending.
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