The altitude of an airplane is decreasing at a rate of 40 feet per second. What is the change in altitude of the airplane over a period of 38 seconds?

Question

A.
1,520 feet
B.
78 feet
C.
-1,520 feet
D.
-78 feet

Answer 1

To find the change in altitude over a period of 38 seconds with a descent rate of 40 feet per second, you can use the formula:

\[ \text{Change in altitude} = \text{rate} \times \text{time} \]

Given the rate of descent is -40 feet/second (the negative sign indicates that the altitude is decreasing), and the time is 38 seconds:

\[ \text{Change in altitude} = -40 , \text{feet/second} \times 38 , \text{seconds} = -1,520 , \text{feet} \]

Thus, the change in altitude of the airplane over the 38 seconds is:

C. -1,520 feet