Question

Suppose that during one period extreme cold,the average daily temperature decreased 1 1/2 F each day. How many days did it take for the temperature to decrease by 9F?

Answer 1

We have been given that during one period extreme cold, the average daily temperature decreased $1\frac{1}{2}$ degree F each day. We are asked to find number of days it will take for the temperature to decrease by 9 degree F.

First of all we will convert our mixed fraction into improper fraction.

$1\frac{1}{2}=\frac{3}{2}$

Now we will divide total temperature change (9) by average daily temperature change ($\frac{3}{2}$) to find number of days.

$9\div\frac{3}{2}$

Dividing a number by a fraction is same as multiplying the number by reciprocal of the fraction.

$9\cdot\frac{2}{3}$

$3\cdot2=6$

Therefore, it will take 6 days for the temperature to decrease by 9 degree F.