*16. FORMULATE Suppose that a mountain grows at a rate of 10 inches in 4 years. Express the growth as a unit rate.

Did you know that a unit rate is simply a way to express a quantity divided by one unit of another? In this case, to find the growth rate of the mountain in inches per year, you can divide 10 inches by 4 years. So, the mountain grows at a delightful rate of 2.5 inches per year! Now, when looking at this in a broader context, this concept of growth can relate to real-world phenomena such as climate change and tectonic activity. Mountains are constantly shifting due to geological forces, and understanding their growth rates helps scientists predict changes in landscapes, which can affect ecosystems and human infrastructure. So next time you see a mountain, remember it's not just sitting there—it's growing!