SOLUTION: Q: A skydiver who jumps from a plane gains speed while falling. For one jump, altitude readings were made every ten seconds until the parachute opened. Known data includes: Star

Question 630392: Q: A skydiver who jumps from a plane gains speed while falling. For one jump, altitude readings were made every ten seconds until the parachute opened. Known data includes:
Started at altitude of 500 meters; drops 70 meters every 10 seconds. I need to write an algebraic equation to represent the data showing the altitude at 65 seconds. I have already done the graph, analyzed the information and determined the altitude would be 45 meters at the 65 second mark. I have tried multiple formulas to represent the facts but in proving my equations, they are incorrect. I need to write this data in an algebraic equation, can you help? Thanks (in advance)
Answer by Alan3354(69443) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
A skydiver who jumps from a plane gains speed while falling. For one jump, altitude readings were made every ten seconds until the parachute opened. Known data includes:
Started at altitude of 500 meters; drops 70 meters every 10 seconds. I need to write an algebraic equation to represent the data showing the altitude at 65 seconds. I have already done the graph, analyzed the information and determined the altitude would be 45 meters at the 65 second mark. I have tried multiple formulas to represent the facts but in proving my equations, they are incorrect. I need to write this data in an algebraic equation, can you help?
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If the rate of falling is consistent at 70 m per 10 seconds, then that's the "terminal velocity." Gravity's acceleration is balanced by air resistance, and the rate of falling is constant at 7 m/sec.
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Using 500 meters as a starting point,
h(t) = 500 - 7t, h in meters, t in seconds.
At t = 65,
h(65) = 500 - 455 = 45 meters
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If 500 meters is the altitude when he leaves the aircraft, there's an error due to the fact that it takes time to accelerate to the terminal velocity.
If 500 meters is where you start to take the measurment after reaching terminal velocity, then it's
h(t) = 500 - 7t

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