A leaf is falling from a branch on a tree 18 feet high. It is falling at a rate of 3 feet every 2 seconds. Where is the leaf after 3 seconds?

Answer 1

Here is a rough diagram (they often help):

0 sec -- 18 feet [starting point]

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1 sec -- 16.5 feet [falling at 3/2 = 1.5 feet per second]

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2 sec -- 15 feet

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3 sec -- 13.5 feet [At 3 seconds, the leaf is 13.5 feet above the ground.]