College

In January 2008, the temperature in parts of Minnesota fell from [tex]$41^{\circ} F$[/tex] to [tex]$-13^{\circ} F$[/tex] over a 24-hour period. What was the average temperature change per hour?

A. [tex]2.25^{\circ} F[/tex]
B. [tex]\left(1 \frac{1}{6}\right)^{\circ} F[/tex]
C. [tex]-\left(1 \frac{1}{6}\right)^{\circ} F[/tex]
D. [tex]-2.25^{\circ} F[/tex]

Answer :

To find the average temperature change per hour in Minnesota over the 24-hour period, follow these steps:

1. Understand the Temperature Change:
- Initial temperature: [tex]\(41^\circ F\)[/tex]
- Final temperature: [tex]\(-13^\circ F\)[/tex]

2. Calculate the Total Temperature Change:
- Subtract the final temperature from the initial temperature:
[tex]\[
\text{Total Temperature Change} = -13^\circ F - 41^\circ F = -54^\circ F
\][/tex]
- This means the temperature dropped by [tex]\(54^\circ F\)[/tex] over the 24-hour period.

3. Find the Average Temperature Change per Hour:
- To find the average change per hour, divide the total temperature change by the number of hours:
[tex]\[
\text{Average Temperature Change per Hour} = \frac{-54^\circ F}{24 \text{ hours}} = -2.25^\circ F \text{ per hour}
\][/tex]

4. Conclusion:
- The average temperature change per hour was [tex]\(-2.25^\circ F\)[/tex].

Hence, the correct answer is [tex]\(-2.25^\circ F\)[/tex].