Final answer:
The coldest surface temperature on Earth on the given day, based on the information provided about the Moon's temperature, is calculated to be -113.2 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student's question asks for the calculation of the coldest surface temperature on Earth based on given information about temperatures on the Moon. The question involves setting up and solving an algebraic equation.
The coldest surface temperature on the Moon is given as -280 degrees Fahrenheit. According to the problem, this is 53.6 degrees Fahrenheit colder than twice the Earth's coldest surface temperature. Let's denote the Earth's coldest surface temperature as E, then the equation based on the given information is:
2E - 53.6 = -280
To solve for E, we first add 53.6 to both sides of the equation:
2E = -280 + 53.6
2E = -226.4
Next, we divide both sides by 2 to solve for E:
E = -226.4 / 2
E = -113.2 degrees Fahrenheit
Therefore, the coldest surface temperature on Earth that day is -113.2 degrees Fahrenheit.