Final answer:
To determine the temperature at an altitude of 5,000 feet with a decrease of 1.6°F for every 1,000 feet, multiply 1.6°F by 5, subtract the result from the ground temperature of 55.8°F, which gives a temperature of 47.8°F at 5,000 feet.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question requires an understanding of the rate at which temperature decreases with an increase in altitude. For every 1,000 feet, the temperature drops by 1.6°F. To find the temperature at an altitude of 5,000 feet, we multiply the rate of temperature decrease (1.6°F) by the number of thousands of feet in altitude (5).
The calculation is as follows:
- Multiply the rate of temperature drop per thousand feet (1.6°F) by the number of thousands of feet (5).
- 1.6°F * 5 = 8°F decrease in temperature.
- Subtract the total decrease from the initial ground temperature (55.8°F).
- 55.8°F - 8°F = 47.8°F.
Therefore, the temperature at an altitude of 5,000 feet will be 47.8°F.