Answer:
The change in the altitude is -14600 feet
This means that the pilot decreased the plane's altitude by 14600 feet
Explanation:
The change in the altitude can be calculated by subtracting the final altitude from the initial one
This means that:
Change in altitude = Final altitude - Initial altitude
If the change is positive, this would mean that the final altitude is greater than the initial one which indicates that an increase in the altitude (pilot flew higher)
If the change is negative, this would mean that the final altitude is smaller than the initial one which indicates a decrease in the altitude (pilot flew lower)
We are given that:
Initial altitude = 17200 feet
Final altitude = 2600 feet
Therefore:
Change in altitude = 2600 - 17200 = -14600 feet
This means that the pilot decreased the plane's altitude by 14600 feet
Hope this helps :)