To determine the best scale for representing the total snowfall data on the y-axis, we need to calculate the total amount of snowfall during the snowstorm.
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For the first 2 hours, it snowed at a rate of 1 inch per hour:
- Total snowfall = 2 hours × 1 inch/hour = 2 inches.
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Then, it stopped for 1.5 hours, which contributes 0 inches.
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After that, it resumed at a rate of 1.5 inches per hour for the next 3 hours:
- Total snowfall during this period = 3 hours × 1.5 inches/hour = 4.5 inches.
Now, we can add the two totals together:
- Total snowfall = 2 inches + 0 inches + 4.5 inches = 6.5 inches.
Considering the total amount of snowfall (6.5 inches), the y-axis scale options provided were 5, 2, 0.5, and 3.
Given that the total snowfall is 6.5 inches, a scale that goes above 6.5 inches would be ideal to properly represent this data. Therefore, none of the provided options (5, 2, 0.5, 3) would be appropriate because they all are below the total snowfall of 6.5 inches.
However, if we are looking for a scale that should at least fit within common increments, a scale that reaches 7 or 8 inches would be suitable, but since that's not an option, you might consider creating a scale using the largest number that gives enough increments between 0 to 6.5 inches.
In this case, between the provided options, none are particularly suitable to accurately represent the snowfall, but 5 as the highest could give a representation if adjusted appropriately (with careful labeling). Overall, a scale should at least extend to a value greater than 6.5 inches for clarity in representation.