Final answer:
To find the time it takes for the temperature to decrease by 5 degrees at a rate of 3/4 degrees per hour, we use the formula time = total change / rate of change. The calculation is 5 / (3/4) which equals 6.67 hours.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asks us to calculate the time required for the temperature to decrease by 5 degrees given that the temperature decreases at an average rate of 3/4 of a degree per hour. To find the time, we use the formula for time which is time = total change in temperature / rate of temperature change.
The total change in temperature desired is 5 degrees and the rate of temperature change is 3/4 of a degree per hour, thus:
- Total change in temperature = 5 degrees
- Rate of temperature change = 3/4 degrees per hour
Now we calculate the time as follows:
Time = Total change in temperature / Rate of temperature change
Time = 5 degrees / (3/4 degrees per hour)
Time = 5 / (3/4)
Time = 5 * (4/3)
Time = 20/3
Time = 6.67 hours