Final answer:
To calculate the average hourly temperature change in Fairfield, Montana, the difference between the initial and final temperatures is divided by the total time, resulting in an average change of -8°F per hour.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asks about the average hourly change in temperature when Fairfield, Montana experienced a drastic temperature drop from 75 degrees Fahrenheit to -21 degrees Fahrenheit over 12 hours. To find the average hourly change, we subtract the final temperature from the initial temperature and then divide by the total number of hours.
Initial Temperature: 75°F
Final Temperature: -21°F
Time: 12 hours
Average Hourly Change: (Final Temperature - Initial Temperature) / Time
Average Hourly Change = (-21°F - 75°F) / 12 hours
Average Hourly Change = -96°F / 12 hours
Average Hourly Change = -8°F per hour