Final answer:
To determine how many hours until the temperature reaches -1°F at a rate of -4°F per hour, we set up the equation T - 4x = -1, where T is the initial temperature. Without the initial temperature, we cannot find the exact value for x. For example, if the initial temperature were 65°F, it would take 16 hours to reach -1°F.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student's question involves finding out how many hours it will take for the temperature to decrease from 1 PM until it reaches -1°F, with the temperature decreasing at a rate of -4°F per hour.
To find the time x, we can set up the equation based on the rate of change:
Equation:
Initial Temperature + (Rate of Change) * (Time) = Final Temperature
Let's assume the initial temperature at 1 PM is T degrees Fahrenheit. The question does not provide the initial temperature, so we need this value to proceed.
Once T is known, we use the equation:
T - 4x = -1
Then, we can solve for x to find out the number of hours it will take to reach -1°F.
Suppose the initial temperature is 65°F for example sake:
65 - 4x = -1
Now, solve for x:
- 65 - 1 = 4x
- 64 = 4x
- x = 64 / 4
- x = 16
Therefore, it would take 16 hours for the temperature to drop from 65°F to -1°F at a rate of -4°F per hour.