Final answer:
The total temperature decrease in the town is 3.92℉, calculated by adding the drops over two different time periods with different rates.
Step-by-step explanation:
The total change in temperature in the town can be calculated by finding the temperature decrease in each timeframe and then summing them up. Initially, the temperature drops by 1.6℉ per hour for 1.2 hours, which results in:
- (1.6℉/hour) × (1.2 hours) = 1.92℉
Next, the temperature drops by 0.8℉ per hour for 2.5 hours, which gives us:
- (0.8℉/hour) × (2.5 hours) = 2.00℉
Adding both decreases together:
Therefore, the total change in temperature is a drop of 3.92℉ over the entire period.