Question

time.
what is the slope of the line and what does it mean in this situation?
the slope is - 2000. this means that the helicopter descends 2000 ft each minute.
the slope is - 400. this means that the helicopter descends 400 ft each minute.
the slope is 400. this means that the helicopter ascends 400 ft each minute.
the slope is 2000. this means that the helicopter ascends 2000 ft each minute.

Explanation:

Step1: Recall the slope formula

The slope formula is \(m=\frac{y_2 - y_1}{x_2 - x_1}\). Here, \((x_1,y_1)=(0,10000)\) and \((x_2,y_2)=(15,4000)\).

Step2: Substitute values into the formula

\(m=\frac{4000 - 10000}{15-0}=\frac{-6000}{15}=- 400\). The negative slope indicates a descent.

Answer:

The slope is \(-400\). This means that the helicopter descends \(400\) ft each minute. So the correct option is: The slope is \(-400\). This means that the helicopter descends \(400\) ft each minute.