Question

The temperature started at 15 degrees. After 3 hours, the temperature was -9 degrees. What was the average rate of change?

A) 8 degrees per hour
B) -8 degrees per hour
C) -12 degrees per hour
D) 12 degrees per hour

Answer 1

The average rate of change in temperature over three hours when it drops from 15 degrees to -9 degrees is -8 degrees per hour, making the correct answer B) -8 degrees per hour.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question asks to calculate the average rate of change in temperature over a period of three hours where the temperature started at 15 degrees and fell to -9 degrees. To find the average rate of change, we subtract the final temperature from the initial temperature and then divide by the number of hours:

Rate of change = (Final Temperature - Initial Temperature) / Time

Rate of change = (-9°C - 15°C) / 3 hours

Rate of change = (-24°C) / 3 hours

Rate of change = -8°C per hour

Therefore, the correct answer is B) -8 degrees per hour.