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To solve this problem, we need to analyze the rate of descent of the scuba diver and identify the graph that correctly represents this rate.

### Problem Analysis
The scuba diver descends **480 feet in 15 minutes**. The rate of descent (slope) can be calculated as:
\[
\text{slope} = \frac{\text{change in depth}}{\text{change in time}} = \frac{-480 \text{ feet}}{15 \text{ minutes}} = -32 \text{ feet per minute}
\]
The negative sign indicates that the diver is descending (moving deeper below sea level).

### Choosing the Correct Graph
Since we are looking for a graph with a slope of **-32 feet per minute**, let's examine each option to see which one represents this slope:

- **Graph A**: This shows a steep descent, with a range going to -500 feet within approximately 6 minutes, which does not match -32 feet per minute.
- **Graph B**: This graph shows a descent to -160 feet over 5 minutes, which represents a slope of \(-32 \times 5 = -160\). This matches the rate.
- **Graph C**: This graph depicts a descent to -200 feet over 10 minutes, resulting in a slope of -20 feet per minute, which is too shallow.
- **Graph D**: This graph represents a descent to -100 feet over 10 minutes, giving a slope of -10 feet per minute, which is also too shallow.

### Conclusion
The correct answer is:
**Graph B**, as it has a slope of -32 feet per minute, matching the rate at which the scuba diver descends.

Would you like further details, or do you have any questions?

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Here are some related questions to consider:

1. How would the slope change if the descent took 20 minutes instead of 15?
2. What does the slope of a line represent in a real-world context like this?
3. How would you interpret a positive slope in the context of a diver's depth below sea level?
4. Can you find the slope for each of the other graphs to confirm they don’t match -32 feet per minute?
5. How would this graph look if the diver ascended instead of descended?

**Tip**: To determine the slope of a line on a graph, pick two points and calculate the "rise over run," or the change in \( y \) over the change in \( x \).

A scuba diver descends 480 feet below sea level in 15 minutes. Which graph has a slope that best represents this rate?

Learn how to determine the graph with the correct slope for a scuba diver descending 480 feet in 15 minutes. This problem involves calculating the rate of change and interpreting the graph that best represents a descent rate of -32 feet per minute. Ideal for students in Grades 8-10.

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