Final answer:
The relationship between altitude and boiling point is linear. The equation giving the boiling point in terms of altitude is b = -0.02115a + 380.06. The boiling point at an altitude of 2400 ft is approximately 332.94°F.
Step-by-step explanation:
The relationship between altitude and the boiling point of a liquid is linear.
To write an equation giving the boiling point b of the liquid in terms of altitude a, we can use the slope-intercept form of a linear equation, y = mx + b. Here, the boiling point (y) is the dependent variable, and altitude (x) is the independent variable. Let's calculate the values:
Slope (m) = (208.7 - 202.4) / (4200 - 8400) = -0.02115
b = y - mx
b = 202.4 - (-0.02115 * 8400) ≈ 202.4 + 177.66 ≈ 380.06
Therefore, the equation giving the boiling point b in terms of altitude a is b = -0.02115a + 380.06.
To find the boiling point at an altitude of 2400 ft, substitute a = 2400 into the equation: b = -0.02115 * 2400 + 380.06 ≈ 332.94°F.