College

2. A blimp is descending at a constant speed of 5.2 meters per second from a height of 1,500 meters above the ground.

Which equation models the height, [tex]h[/tex], of the blimp in meters after [tex]t[/tex] seconds?

A. [tex]h = 5.21[/tex]

B. [tex]h = 1500 + 5.2t[/tex]

C. [tex]h = 1500 - 5.2t[/tex]

D. [tex]h = \frac{15010}{52t}[/tex]

Answer :

Sure! Let's solve this problem step-by-step.

Question:

A blimp is descending at a constant speed of 5.2 meters per second from a height of 1,500 meters above the ground. Which equation models the height, [tex]\( h \)[/tex], of the blimp in meters after [tex]\( t \)[/tex] seconds?

Options:
A. [tex]\( h = 5.21 \)[/tex]
B. [tex]\( h = 1500 + 5.2t \)[/tex]
C. [tex]\( h = 1500 - 5.2t \)[/tex]
D. [tex]\( \frac{15010}{52t} \)[/tex]

Solution:

1. Identify the initial height and descent rate:
- Initial height of the blimp: [tex]\( 1500 \)[/tex] meters
- Constant descent speed: [tex]\( 5.2 \)[/tex] meters per second

2. Understand the problem:
- The blimp is descending, which means its height decreases over time.
- We need an equation that starts from the initial height and subtracts the total distance descended over time.

3. Formulate the equation:
- The blimp descends [tex]\( 5.2 \)[/tex] meters each second.
- After [tex]\( t \)[/tex] seconds, the total descent is [tex]\( 5.2t \)[/tex] meters.
- Therefore, the height [tex]\( h \)[/tex] after [tex]\( t \)[/tex] seconds can be calculated by subtracting the total descent from the initial height:
[tex]\[
h = 1500 - 5.2t
\][/tex]

4. Compare with the given options:
- Option A: [tex]\( h = 5.21 \)[/tex] (doesn't make sense as it doesn't involve time [tex]\( t \)[/tex])
- Option B: [tex]\( h = 1500 + 5.2t \)[/tex] (incorrect because it suggests the height increases with time)
- Option C: [tex]\( h = 1500 - 5.2t \)[/tex] (correct, matches our derived equation)
- Option D: [tex]\( \frac{15010}{52t} \)[/tex] (incorrect, this form does not match the linear relationship we derived)

Therefore, the correct model for the height of the blimp after [tex]\( t \)[/tex] seconds is:

[tex]\[ \boxed{h = 1500 - 5.2t} \][/tex]

Thus, the correct answer is option C.