The table shows how an elevator 500 feet above the ground is descending at a steady rate.

Which equation represents the height, h (t), of the elevator in feet, as a function of t, the number of seconds during which it has been descending?

h (t) = 5t + 500

h (t) = 5t - 500

h (t) = - 5t + 500

h (t) = - 5t - 500

Question

Mathematics

Abagail Thompson

19 March, 17:10

The table shows how an elevator 500 feet above the ground is descending at a steady rate.

Which equation represents the height, h (t), of the elevator in feet, as a function of t, the number of seconds during which it has been descending?

h (t) = 5t + 500

h (t) = 5t - 500

h (t) = - 5t + 500

h (t) = - 5t - 500

+3

Answers (1)

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Scooter · Answer 1

We are given that the elevator is descending, so the coefficient of t must be negative. The elevator's initial position is 500 feet above the ground, so this is a positive value of + 500. Therefore the only choice that fits these is h (t) = - 5t + 500.