Question

An elevator descends into mine shaft at the rate of 6m/min. If the descend starts from 10m above the ground level , how long will it take to reach the shaft which is 350m below the ground level?

Answer 1

Answer: Hi!

So first, I'm going to convert "350 below ground level" to -350, as this is what "below ground level" represents.

Now, we should find the total distance traveled. Take the absolute value of -350 (350) and add it to 10, the metres above ground level. This is 360.

We already know the rate of travel; 6m/min. All we have to do now is divide the total distance (360) by the rate of travel (6)!

360 ÷ 6 = 60

So, it took 60 minutes, or one hour, for the elevator to travel down the shaft!

Hope this helps!