Question

The average wind speed increased 19 mi/h from 8 A.M. to noon. The average wind speed decreased 5 mi/h from noon to 4 P.M. At 4 P.M., the average wind speed was at least 32 mi/h. What is the minimum value of the average wind speed at 8 A.M.?

Answer 1

The minimum value of the average wind speed at 8 A.M. is 18 mi/h.

Step-by-step explanation:

To find the minimum value of the average wind speed at 8 A.M., we can start by assuming the wind speed at 8 A.M. is x mi/h. From 8 A.M. to noon, the wind speed increases by 19 mi/h, so the wind speed at noon is x + 19 mi/h. From noon to 4 P.M., the wind speed decreases by 5 mi/h, so the wind speed at 4 P.M. is x + 19 - 5 mi/h. We are given that at 4 P.M., the wind speed is at least 32 mi/h, so we can write the equation x + 19 - 5 ≥ 32. Solving this equation, we find x ≥ 18 mi/h. Therefore, the minimum value of the average wind speed at 8 A.M. is 18 mi/h.