For question 7, the elevator's initial 'value' is 86 and the rate of change is 3 feet per second (x). The key word is 'descending'. Because of this the expression will subtract 3x instead of adding it. 86 - 3x
For question 8, the total weight is the crate's initial 23 and the extra (w) pounds for 12 boxes. 23 + 12w