Answer:
Mel is descending at a quicker average speed, with a rate of change of -5 feet per second.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a function passes through two points, the average rate of change can be found using

Let x represent time in seconds and y represent height in feet.
After 2 seconds, Mel was at a height of 50 feet, and after 5 seconds, she was at 35 feet. This indicates the function has the ordered pairs (2,50) and (5,35).
To find Mel's average rate of change, we use

This suggests Mel's descent rate is 5 feet per second.
After 1 second, Victor was at 60 feet, and at 4 seconds, he was at 50 feet. Therefore, the function has the ordered pairs (1,60) and (4,50).
The average rate of change for Victor is

This means Victor descends at a rate of 10/3 feet per second.
5 is greater than 3.33, thereby confirming that Mel descends at a faster average rate and her rate of change is -5 feet per second.