A snowstorm took place during the weekend. Meteorologists 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 this information, what scale would work best for representing the data on the y-axis?(1 point)

Question

Responses

3
3

2
2

0.5
0.5

5

Answer 1

To determine the best scale for representing the total snowfall on the y-axis, let's first calculate the total snowfall from the storm.

1. First 2 hours:

   • Snowfall rate = 1 inch per hour
   • Total snowfall for this period = 2 hours × 1 inch/hour = 2 inches

2. Next 1.5 hours:

   • There was no snowfall, so total snowfall = 0 inches during this period.

3. Last 3 hours:

   • Snowfall rate = 1.5 inches per hour
   • Total snowfall for this period = 3 hours × 1.5 inches/hour = 4.5 inches

Now, we can sum all the snowfall:

• Total snowfall = 2 inches (first period) + 0 inches (second period) + 4.5 inches (third period) = 6.5 inches

Considering this total, you need to choose a scale that can appropriately cover the range of 0 to slightly above 6.5 inches. Among the options provided:

• 3 would not be sufficient, as it is below the total snowfall.
• 2 would also be insufficient.
• 0.5 could work, but would create a lot of increments to reach 6.5 inches.
• 5 is still below 6.5 inches, and since it's not enough, it's also not a good option.

Therefore, while none of the options directly provide an ideal scale for this dataset, if the values must be chosen from those listed, I'd suggest using 0.5 for greater granularity, since you could still graph the total snowfall of 6.5 inches, albeit with increments required to demonstrate the amount properly.

Final Answer: 0.5