To find the rate of change in the squirrel’s height above the ground, we need to determine how much the squirrel's height changes over the time it takes to reach its acorns.
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Calculate the height change:
- Initial height (perch) = 100 feet
- Final height (acorns) = 45 feet
- Change in height = Final height - Initial height
- Change in height = 45 feet - 100 feet = -55 feet (the height decreases)
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Time taken:
- Time = 5.25 seconds
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Calculate the rate of change:
- Rate of change = Change in height / Time
- Rate of change = -55 feet / 5.25 seconds ≈ -10.48 feet/second
Thus, the correct interpretation is:
The quotient that describes the rate of change in the squirrel’s height above the ground is −10.48 feet/second.