Q. 19 - Calculus

Question

Imagine using a topographic map to plan a hike on a mountain. If your hike stays on a single contour line, what does that mean about the difficulty of the hike? If you intentionally hike perpendicularly to the contour lines, what does that mean about the difficulty of the hike?

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

If our hike stays on a single contour line, then the difficulty of the hike is relatively easier.

If we intentionally hike perpendicularly to the contour lines, the hike will be relatively difficult. 

Step 1. Given Information

Imagine using a topographic map to plan a hike on a mountain 

Step 2. Explanation

Staying on a contour line implies staying at the same elevation.

So, if our hike stays on a single contour line, then we are staying at the same elevation.

Hence, if our hike stays on a single contour line, then the difficulty of the hike is relatively easier. 

When we intentionally hike perpendicularly to the contour lines, it implies that we are always ascending or descending, depending on the situation.

Hence, if we hike perpendicularly to the contour lines, the hike will be relatively difficult.