From a height of 3,000 feet, a falcon descends at a rate of 250 ft./sec. What is the rate of change in the falcon’s elevation, and what is the initial value?
a. The rate of change is 3,000 ft./sec., and the initial value is 250 ft.
b. The rate of change is -250 ft./sec., and the initial value is 3,000 ft.
c. The rate of change is 250 ft./sec., and the initial value is 3,000 ft.
d. The rate of change is 3,000 ft./sec., and the initial value is -250 ft.
b. The rate of change is -250 ft./sec., and the initial value is 3,000 ft.
Since the falcon is descending, the rate of change in its elevation is negative, so the correct answer is b.