To find the change in temperature from 9 a.m. to noon, we can use the following equation:
\[ \text{Change in Temperature} = \text{Temperature at Noon} - \text{Temperature at 9 a.m.} \]
Substituting the values:
\[ \text{Change in Temperature} = (-1.6) - (-5.8) \]
When subtracting a negative number, we can change it to addition:
\[ \text{Change in Temperature} = -1.6 + 5.8 \]
Now, perform the addition:
\[ -1.6 + 5.8 = 4.2 \]
Therefore, the change in temperature during these three hours is \(4.2\) degrees Celsius.
Explanation of the Answer:
The positive change of \(4.2\) degrees Celsius indicates that, from 9 a.m. to noon, the temperature increased by \(4.2\) degrees. Therefore, while it started at a cold \(−5.8\) degrees Celsius, it warmed up to \(−1.6\) degrees Celsius at noon. This demonstrates a significant warming trend over that three-hour period.