Question

an airplane is flying at an altitude of 40,000 feet. to avoid turbulence the pilot descends at a rate of 2,000 feet/minute for 3 minutes. he continues flying at this altitude until he decides the turbulence is over; then he ascends at a rate of 1,500 feet/minute for 5.5 minutes. at what altitude is the plane now flying?
a) 39,500 feet
b) 42,250 feet
c) 54,250 feet
d) 122,250 feet

Explanation:

Step1: Calculate descent distance

Distance = Rate × Time = $2000 \times 3 = 6000$ feet

Step2: Find altitude after descent

New altitude = Initial altitude - Descent = $40000 - 6000 = 34000$ feet

Step3: Calculate ascent distance

Distance = Rate × Time = $1500 \times 5.5 = 8250$ feet

Step4: Find final altitude

Final altitude = Post-descent altitude + Ascent = $34000 + 8250 = 42250$ feet

Answer:

B) 42,250 feet