To begin, the glass of water with ice cubes is relatively cold when placed on the table. As time passes on, the temperature of the glass is still cold, because the hunched together ice cubes are doing everything they possibly can to keep the glass from warming up. But, the ice cubes are working against the clock. As slowly and delicately as can be, the ice cubes begin to melt. This is a bad sign for the ice, because the ice will melt away as the temperature of the glass of ice water works its way toward room temperature.
Now, I know most of you answered the question correctly. It is a fairly simple question. But, how many of you knew that this was one of my calculus questions? Granted, it was from the first section in the book, and it probably draws the line closer to pre-cal than calculus. However, it goes to show that you are all smarter than you think. I have found out that this usually comes as a significant revelation to some people, so that is why I asked this question. Smartness is not about talent. Anyone can achieve straight A's, if they push themselves, discipline themselves. My encouragement is to push yourself in everything you do for the glory of God, because the reward will be great. It is not easy, but it will well be worth it in the end.
On another note, calculus, in the form of functions, is all around you. People, who say there is no use in calculus or mathematics to them, have no idea what they are talking about. You all set a glass of ice water on the table. Don't you? When you do that, you are experiencing the calculus involved as the ice begins to melt away within the glass. Calculus, in itself, is everywhere. :)
