Question

A weather station on the top of a mountain reports that the temperature is currently 0 ∘ C and has been falling at a constant rate of 3 ∘ C per hour. If it continues to fall at this rate, find each indicated temperature.
What will the temperature be in 2 hours?

What will the temperature be in 5 hours?

What will the temperature be in half an hour?

What was the temperature 1 hour ago?

What was the temperature 3 hours ago?


What was the temperature 4.5 hours ago?

Answer 1

Answer:

After 2 hours: -6°C.

After 5 hours: -15°C.

After $\frac{1}{2}$ hours: -1.5°C

1 hour ago: 3°C.

3 hours ago: 9°C.

4.5 hours ago: 13.5°C.

To find these values, you simply need to multiply the hours elapsed by 3°C. Subtract from 0°C for future temperatures, and ADD to 0°C for the past.

Let's say you are solving for the temperature in 5 hours. All you need to do is:

3°C× 5= 15°C. 0°C-15°C= -15°C

For the temperature 3 hours AGO, what you will need to do instead is:

3°C×3= 9°C. 0°C+ 9°C= 9°C.