To determine the best scale for representing the time data on the x-axis for the snowstorm's snowfall rates, we should consider the total duration of the snow events.
- First 2 hours: Snowed at 1 inch/hour.
- Stopped for 1.5 hours: No snow.
- Next 3 hours: Snowed at 1.5 inches/hour.
Total duration of the event is \(2 + 1.5 + 3 = 6.5\) hours.
Given that the total time is 6.5 hours, a scale that provides clear divisions over this duration would be useful. A scale of 0.5 hours would allow you to cover each half-hour interval, which is suitable for tracking the various rates of snowfall over the total time effectively.
Therefore, the best scale for the x-axis would be:
0.5