Question

scientists are preparing two satellites to be launched. the satellite, space explorer b, flies 87,000 miles in 15 hours. the graph below represents the number of miles, y, that the satellite, space explorer a, flies in x hours. 1.3 rate of change 70% credit until: october 11 at 11:59 pm grade: 29% complete: 41% find rates in context compare rates in context

Explanation:

Step1: Calculate speed of Space - Explorer B

Speed = $\frac{\text{Distance}}{\text{Time}}$. For Space - Explorer B, distance $d = 87000$ miles and time $t = 15$ hours. So speed $v_B=\frac{87000}{15}=5800$ miles per hour.

Step2: Calculate speed of Space - Explorer A

We use two points $(x_1,y_1)=(5,41000)$ and $(x_2,y_2)=(10,82000)$ on the graph of Space - Explorer A. The slope (which is the speed) $v_A=\frac{y_2 - y_1}{x_2 - x_1}=\frac{82000 - 41000}{10 - 5}=\frac{41000}{5}=8200$ miles per hour.

Step3: Compare the speeds

Since $8200>5800$, Space - Explorer A is faster.

Answer:

Space - Explorer A is faster.