Question

Each hour, the temperature dropped by 3 1/2 degrees. What was the change in temperature in 2 1/2 hours?

Answer 1

8 3/4 degrees

Explanation:

In 1 hour, the temperature drops 3 1/2 degrees.

In 2 1/2 hours, the temperature drops 2 1/2 times 3 1/2 degrees.

We need to multiply 2 1/2 by 3 1/2.

2 1/2 * 3 1/2 =

Change both mixed numerals into fractions.

= (2 + 1/2) * (3 + 1/2)

= (4/2 + 1/2) * (6/2 + 1/2)

= 5/2 * 7/2

= 35/4

= 8 3/4

Answer: The temperature change in 2 1/2 hours was 8 3/4 degrees.

Answer 2

Multiply the change per hour by the number of hours:

3.5 degrees per hour x 2.5 hours = 8.75

Since the temperature dropped, the change would be a negative value.

The change was -8.75 ( -8 3/4) degrees.