MATHEMATICS · Single correct · AP · Calculus AB · Contextual Applications of Differentiation · Contextual Applications of Differentiation
Problem
At a certain instant, object A is 3 m east of the origin and moving west at 5 m/s, while object B is 4 m north of the origin and moving north at 12 m/s. Which statement best describes how the distance between the two objects is changing at that instant?
(a) It is decreasing because the instantaneous rate is negative.
(b) It is increasing because the instantaneous rate is positive.
(c) It is not changing because the instantaneous rate is zero.
(d) The given information is insufficient to determine the sign of the rate.