Question

Suppose that during one period extreme cold,the average daily temperature decreased 1 1/2 F each day. How many days did it take for the temperature to decrease by 9F?

Answer 1

We have been given that during one period extreme cold, the average daily temperature decreased
`1(1)/(2)` degree F each day. We are asked to find number of days it will take for the temperature to decrease by 9 degree F.

First of all we will convert our mixed fraction into improper fraction.

`1(1)/(2)=(3)/(2)`

Now we will divide total temperature change (9) by average daily temperature change (
`(3)/(2)`) to find number of days.

`9/(3)/(2)`

Dividing a number by a fraction is same as multiplying the number by reciprocal of the fraction.

`9\cdot(2)/(3)`

`3\cdot2=6`

Therefore, it will take 6 days for the temperature to decrease by 9 degree F.