Final answer:
The temperature 5 hours ago was 12°F. This conclusion is reached by solving the algebraic equation set up based on the information that the current temperature is 31°F, which is 7 degrees more than twice the temperature 5 hours ago.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student is asked to determine the temperature 5 hours ago, given that the current temperature is 31°F, which is 7 degrees more than twice the temperature from 5 hours ago. To find the temperature 5 hours ago, we can set up an algebraic equation. Let T represent the temperature 5 hours ago. The equation based on the given information is:
31 = 2T + 7
To solve for T, we first subtract 7 from both sides:
31 - 7 = 2T
24 = 2T
Then, we divide both sides by 2 to isolate T:
12 = T
The temperature 5 hours ago was 12°F. This is the best representation of the temperature 5 hours ago based on the given problem.