Question

The air temperature decreases by about 1 degree Fahrenheit for each 300 feet of altitude.

a) Find a function T(x) for the temperature at an altitude of x feet if the sea-level temperature is 45∘F.

(b) Find T(1000). [Round to two decimals]

I considered two sets of points: (0,45) and (300,1). then I calculated the slope: m=-0.15 and from there used the formula y=mx+b, which resulted in y=-0.15x + 45. I wondered if this is correct?

Answer 1

T(x) = 45 - x/300

(300,1) is not a point on the line. x has to increase by 300 for T to drop by 1°. Thus, (300,44) is the point you are after.

Answer 2

Thank you!:)