The National Weather Service keeps track of the temperature for a given day in a given city. It also keeps track of this information at certain times during a given day. The following temperatures were recorded on a January day in New York City.
Time of Day
10 AM
12 Noon
2 PM
4 PM
6 PM
8 PM
10 PM
Temperature ((Degrees Fahrenheit))
30
35
36
36
34
30
28
What is the average rate of change of temperature with respect to time over the evening hours from 6 PM to 10 PM? Interpret this value in a complete sentence.
a.
6 degrees Fahrenheit degrees per hour; The temperature drops at an average rate of 6 degrees per hour from 6 PM to 10 PM.
b.
Negative 6 degrees Fahrenheit degrees per hour; The temperature drops at an average rate of 6 degrees per hour from 6 PM to 10 PM.
c.
Negative 1.5 degrees Fahrenheit degrees per hour; The temperature drops at an average rate of 1.5 degrees per hour from 6 PM to 10 PM.
d.
1.5 degrees Fahrenheit degrees per hour; The temperature drops at an average rate of 1.5 degrees per hour from 6 PM to 10 PM.