Question

Over a period of 12 hours the temperature dropped 36F What was the average change in temperature in one hour?

a)3
b)2
c)-2
d)-3

Answer 1

To calculate the average temperature change per hour, divide the total temperature drop (36°F) by the number of hours (12), resulting in a change of 3°F per hour. Since the temperature is dropping, the change is negative, making the correct answer -3°F per hour (option d).

Step-by-step explanation:

The student is asking about the average change in temperature per hour over a period of 12 hours when the total temperature drop is 36°F. To find the average change in temperature per hour, you would divide the total temperature change by the total number of hours. In this case:

36°F total temperature drop ÷ 12 hours = 3°F drop per hour.

However, since the temperature is dropping, the average change would be a negative value, indicating a decrease in temperature. Therefore, the correct answer is:

-3°F per hour (option d).