A meteorologist uses the function P(x)=29.9(0.89) ^x to model the atmospheric pressure, in inches of mercury, at an altitude of x kilometers above sea level. According to the model, how does the atmospheric pressure change with altitude?

Question

a) the atmospheric pressure decreases by 11% per kilometer
b) the atmospheric pressure increases by 11% per kilometer
c) the atmospheric pressure decreases by 89% per kilometer
d) the atmospheric pressure increases by 89% per kilometer

Answer 1

a) the atmospheric pressure decreases by 11% per kilometer

Explanation: In the function P(x)=29.9(0.89)^x, the coefficient of 0.89 indicates that the atmospheric pressure decreases by 11% with each kilometer of altitude.