Where and how is the central idea of the text first introduced? How does Dillard use personification to develop, shape, and refine the central idea of the excerpt?

this is the answer , p = 1 + (1/10)x

step-by-step explanation:

we have,

at sea level pressure is 1 atmosphere (i.e at x =0, p0=1 atmosphere)

at depth 23 meters , pressure = 3.3 atmosphere

since the pressure increases at constant rate as the depth increases, so we can write a relation as:

p =p0 +   kx   , where p is the pressure  , p0 is the initial pressure, x is the depth and k is constant rate of increasing.

to find constant rate k, plug p = 3.3 , p0 = 1 and x= 23 meters

we get,

  3.3 = 1 + k * 23

k = 2.3 / 23   = 1/10

so we can write the function formula as:   p = 1 + (1/10)x

- "the die is cast; i have consented to return if we are not destroyed. thus are my hopes blasted by cowardice and indecision; i come back ignorant and disappointed. it requires more philosophy than i possess to bear this injustice with patience. i have lost my hopes of utility and glory; i have lost my friend."