Final answer:
The bear's average weight loss during hibernation is found by dividing the total weight loss of 64.5 pounds by the hibernation period of 7 7/12 months. The calculation yields an average weight loss of 8.6 pounds per month, corresponding to option c.
Step-by-step explanation:
To find the bear’s average weight change per month during hibernation, we divide the total weight loss by the total number of months. In this case, the bear has lost 64.5 pounds over the course of 7 7/12 months. First, let's convert 7 7/12 into an improper fraction: (7 × 12) + 7 = 84 + 7 = 91/12 months. Now, we'll divide the total weight loss by the hibernation period in months:
64.5 pounds ÷ (91/12 months) = 64.5 pounds ÷ 7.58 months ≈ 8.51 pounds per month
Thus, the bear’s average weight change per month is approximately 8.6 pounds, which corresponds to option c.