A meteorologist recorded temperature changes in Modesto, California, as a cold front approached. On Sunday, the average temperature decreased 4.4

degrees from the day before. On Monday, the average temperature had decreased 8.8
degrees. On Tuesday, the average temperature had decreased 13.2
degrees. And on Wednesday, the average temperature had decreased 17.6
degrees.

Which point represents the temperature change as of Wednesday?

Responses

(4,−17.6)
open paren 4 comma negative 17 point 6 close paren

(4,17.6)
open paren 4 comma 17 point 6 close paren

(1,−4.4)
open paren 1 comma negative 4 point 4 close paren

(4.4,17.6)

1 answer

To find the point that represents the temperature change as of Wednesday, we first need to understand the context of the data provided. The problem states that on Wednesday, the average temperature had decreased by 17.6 degrees.

Considering the days of the week and the recorded temperature changes:

  • On Sunday, the decrease recorded was 4.4 degrees.
  • On Monday, the total decrease recorded was 8.8 degrees.
  • On Tuesday, the total decrease recorded was 13.2 degrees.
  • On Wednesday, the total decrease recorded was 17.6 degrees.

Now, if we interpret the day of the week as the x-coordinate and the temperature change as the y-coordinate, we assign the following points:

  • Sunday: (1, -4.4)
  • Monday: (2, -8.8)
  • Tuesday: (3, -13.2)
  • Wednesday: (4, -17.6)

For Wednesday, the average temperature change is represented by the point (4, -17.6).

So the correct response is:

(4,−17.6).