The altitude of an airplane is decreasing at a rate of 41 feet per second. What is the change in altitude of the airplane over a period of 18 seconds?

Question

A.
738 feet
B.
-738 feet
C.
-59 feet
D.
59 feet

Answer 1

To find the change in altitude of the airplane over a period of 18 seconds, you can use the formula:

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

In this case, the rate at which the airplane is descending is \( -41 \) feet per second (the negative sign indicates a decrease in altitude), and the time is \( 18 \) seconds.

Now, calculating the change in altitude:

\[ \text{Change in altitude} = -41 \text{ feet/second} \times 18 \text{ seconds} = -738 \text{ feet} \]

Thus, the change in altitude of the airplane over the period of 18 seconds is \(-738\) feet.

The correct answer is B. -738 feet.