Question

additional details were added for this assignment. this graph shows the altitude of a helicopter over 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, we have two points \((x_1,y_1)=(0,10000)\) and \((x_2,y_2)=(15,4000)\).

Step2: Substitute the values into the formula

\(m=\frac{4000 - 10000}{15-0}=\frac{- 6000}{15}\).

Step3: Calculate the slope

\(m=-400\). The negative slope indicates a descent. The slope represents the rate of change of altitude with respect to time. So, it means the helicopter descends \(400\) ft each minute.

Answer:

The slope is \(-400\). This means that the helicopter descends \(400\) ft each minute. (i.e., the second option)