A passenger on a ship dropped his camera into the ocean. If it is descending at a rate of −4.2−4.2 meters per second, how long until it hits the bottom of the ocean, which is at −1,875−1,875 meters?

Solution

A p a sse n g er o n a s hi p d ro pp e d hi s c am er a in t o t h e oce an . I f i t i s d esce n d in g a t a r a t e o f - 4.2 - 4.2​ m e t ers p er seco n d, h o w l o n g u n t i l i t hi t s t h e b o tt o m o f t h e oce an, w hi c h i s a t - 1, 875 - 1, 875​ m e t ers ?

time : 446.42857 \dots

Solution steps

Translate the problem into an equation:

1875 = 4.2 x

Solve for

x, 1875 = 4.2 x : x = \frac{3125}{7}

Simplify

time : 446.42857 \dots