Question

The temperature decreased overnight by 15.2°C to a temperature of –12.8°C. Suppose t represents the temperature before it decreased.

Which equation can be used to represent this situation?
a. t – 15.2 = –12.8
b. t + 12.8 = –15.2
c. t – 12.8 = 15.2
d. t – (–15.2) = –12.8

Answer 1

The equation that can be used to represent the situation given in the question is
t - 15.2 = - 12.8.
The correct answer to all the options given in the question is option "a". In the question it is given that a certain temperature "t" has decreased by 15.2 degree centigrade to finally reach a temperature of -12.8 degree centigrade. So the 15.2 degree centigrade needs to be deducted from the initial temperature of "t" degree centigrade. Then only the final temperature of -12.8 degree centigrade can be reached.