Question

The average low temperature for February in Laura's hometown was 32 °F, which is 20% lower than the average in January. What was the average low temperature in January?

(a) 40 °F

(b) 36 °F

(c) 28.8 °F

(d) 38.4 °F

Answer 1

To find January's average low temperature, calculate 32 °F (February's average low) as 80% of January's temperature, which results in 40 °F for January. The correct answer is option (a) 40 °F

Step-by-step explanation:

The student asked about calculating the average low temperature for January based on the information that the average low in February was 32 °F and that this was 20% lower than January's average low temperature. To find January's average low, we can use the following mathematical approach.

First, we understand that 20% lower means the February temperature is 80% of the January temperature (because 100% - 20% = 80%). So if we let J represent the January average low temperature, we have:

1. 32 °F = 0.8J
2. J = 32 °F / 0.8
3. J = 40 °F

Therefore, the average low temperature in January was 40 °F, which is option (a) 40 °F.