Answer:
The plane is now flying at an altitude of 42,250 feet.
Step-by-step explanation:
Initially, he is at an altitude of 40,000 feet.
Descends at a rate of 2,000 feet / minute for 3 minutes.
So his altitude is now:
40,000 - 3*2,000 = 34,000
Ascends at a rate of 1,500 feet minute for 5.5 minutes.
The plane is now flying at an altitude of:
34,000 + 1,500*5.5 = 42,250
The plane is now flying at an altitude of 42,250 feet.