A submarine descends below the ocean's surface at a of rate 75 feet per minute. How many feet below the ocean's surface will the submarine be in 12 minutes?

1 Answer
Dec 3, 2016

The submarine would be 900 below the ocean surface after 12 minutes assuming it started its descent at the surface of the ocean.

Explanation:

The formula for distance traveled (in this case the distance a submarine descends) over a period of time is:

#d = r*t# where #d# is the distance traveled (or descended), #r# is the rate of travel and #t# is the time.

In this problem we are told the rate, #r# is 75 feet per minute. And, we are told the time, #t#, to calculate for which is 12 minutes.

Substituting these into the formula and calculating gives:

#d = (75feet)/(min) * 12 min#

#d = (75feet)/(cancel(min)) * 12 cancel(min)#

#d = 75feet * 12#

#d = 900 feet#