A snowstorm took place during the weekend. Meterologists tracked the total amount of snowfall for the storm. For the first 2 hours, it snowed at a rate of 1 inch per hour. The snow stopped for an hour and a half, then resumed at a rate of 1.5 inches per hour for the next 3 hours. Based on the information, what scale would work BEST for representing the data on the y-axis?

Question

5
2
0.5
3

Answer 1

To determine the best scale for representing the total snowfall data on the y-axis, we first need to calculate the total amount of snowfall during the storm.

1. First 2 hours:

   • Snowfall rate = 1 inch/hour
   • Total for 2 hours = 2 hours × 1 inch/hour = 2 inches

2. Next 1.5 hours (no snow):

   • This period does not contribute to the total snowfall.

3. Next 3 hours:

   • Snowfall rate = 1.5 inches/hour
   • Total for 3 hours = 3 hours × 1.5 inches/hour = 4.5 inches

Now, we can calculate the total snowfall:

Total snowfall = 2 inches (first 2 hours) + 0 inches (no snow) + 4.5 inches (next 3 hours) Total snowfall = 2 + 4.5 = 6.5 inches

Now, considering the options for the scale: 5, 2, 0.5, and 3.

• 5: This scale would not be sufficient to represent the total of 6.5 inches as it would exceed the scale.
• 2: This scale would definitely not work since it is lower than the total snowfall.
• 0.5: This is too granular and would be impractical for representing the total snowfall.
• 3: This scale is also insufficient as it is lower than 6.5 inches.

None of the proposed scales are adequate to represent the total snowfall effectively. Ideally, a scale that goes beyond 6.5 inches would be needed for clarity.

However, if forced to choose from the options provided, none of them would work well, as none allow for the representation of 6.5 inches. To be practical, considering scalability, something like 0.5 or 1-inch increments would be more useful if the options were different.

If there's any additional context or constraints you can provide, that could further assist in refining the choice of scale.