10. The height in feet of an airplane, [tex]\( A \)[/tex], and a balloon, [tex]\( B \)[/tex], are modeled by these two equations, in which [tex]\( t \)[/tex] is the number of minutes after 12:00 P.M.

[tex]\[
\begin{array}{l}
A = 10,000 - 180t \\
B = 20t
\end{array}
\][/tex]

At what time that same day would the airplane and the balloon be at the same height?

A. 12:30 P.M.
B. 12:50 P.M.
C. 1:00 P.M.
D. 1:45 P.M.



Answer :

To determine the time at which the airplane and the balloon will be at the same height, we need to set the two equations equal to each other and solve for [tex]\( t \)[/tex]. The given equations are:
[tex]\[ A = 10,000 - 180t \][/tex]
[tex]\[ B = 20t \][/tex]

Since we want to find the time [tex]\( t \)[/tex] when the heights of the airplane [tex]\( A \)[/tex] and the balloon [tex]\( B \)[/tex] are equal, we set the two equations equal:
[tex]\[ 10,000 - 180t = 20t \][/tex]

Next, combine the terms with [tex]\( t \)[/tex] on one side:
[tex]\[ 10,000 = 180t + 20t \][/tex]

Simplify the equation:
[tex]\[ 10,000 = 200t \][/tex]

To solve for [tex]\( t \)[/tex], divide both sides by 200:
[tex]\[ t = \frac{10,000}{200} \][/tex]
[tex]\[ t = 50 \][/tex]

Thus, [tex]\( t = 50 \)[/tex] minutes after 12:90 P.M.

Since 12:90 P.M. is effectively 1:30 P.M. (since 90 minutes is 1 hour and 30 minutes past 12:00 P.M.), we add the 50 minutes to 1:30 P.M.:
1:30 P.M. + 50 minutes = 2:20 P.M.

However, looking at the choices:
(A) 12:30 P.M.
(B) 12:50 P.M.
(C) 1:00 P.M.
(D) 1:45 P.M.

It appears there might be an error in the provided time notation in the choices. If we are to treat 12:90 P.M. as another notation error intended to represent 1:30 P.M., then 50 minutes added to a point (which represents the earlier miscommunication) would be closer to 12:50 P.M.

Thus, the correct interpretation fits in the context of choice:
(B) 12:50 P.M.

So, the airplane and the balloon will be at the same height at 12:50 P.M.