A plane flying in the air is currently traveling upward 5,000 miles for every 20,000 miles in horizontal distance.
a) What is the rate of change?
b) Can you tell if the plane has recently taken off from the airport or if it is getting ready to land? Explain.

Question

A plane flying in the air is currently traveling upward 5,000 miles for every 20,000 miles in horizontal distance.
a) What is the rate of change?
b) Can you tell if the plane has recently taken off from the airport or if it is getting ready to land? Explain.

anonymous · Answer

So the rate of change is going to be the rise over the run.  In this case somewhat literally!  It rises 5,000 whenever it runs 20,000.  So what is 5,000 divided by 20,000?

anonymous · Answer

And for b), think about it...  If a plane is going to land, should it be going up or going down?  if a plane has taken off, should it be going up or down?