Final answer:
The temperature in Portland, Maine decreased by 12 Fahrenheit degrees from an initial 8° F at noon to -4° F by 10:00 pm.
Step-by-step explanation:
To find the change in temperature from noon to 10:00 pm in Portland, Maine, we'll start by setting up an equation. The initial temperature at noon was 8° F, and by 10:00 pm, it had dropped to -4° F.
The change in temperature (difference) is calculated by subtracting the final temperature from the initial temperature. Here's the equation:
Temperature change = Initial temperature - Final temperature
Temperature change = 8° F - (-4° F)
When subtracting a negative number, it's the same as adding its positive equivalent. Therefore:
Temperature change = 8° F + 4° F
Temperature change = 12° F
The temperature in Portland decreased by 12 Fahrenheit degrees from noon to 10:00 pm.