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

0.5
0.5

5
5

2

Answer 1

To determine the best scale for representing the total snowfall data on the y-axis, let's first calculate the total snowfall from the storm based on the information given:

1. First 2 hours: Snowfall rate = 1 inch/hour

   • Total snowfall = 1 inch/hour × 2 hours = 2 inches

2. Next 1.5 hours: No snowfall = 0 inches

3. Next 3 hours: Snowfall rate = 1.5 inches/hour

   • Total snowfall = 1.5 inches/hour × 3 hours = 4.5 inches

Now, summing it all up:

• Total snowfall = 2 inches + 0 inches + 4.5 inches = 6.5 inches

With a total snowfall of 6.5 inches, the options provided seem to suggest different intervals for the y-axis. The best scale needs to accommodate the maximum value of 6.5 inches comfortably.

Considering the provided responses:

• 3 inches: Too small; does not cover 6.5 inches effectively.
• 0.5 inches: Too small; does not cover 6.5 inches.
• 5 inches: Close, but still does not adequately cover up to 6.5 inches.
• 2 inches: Much too small; does not reach 6.5 inches.

None of the options provided directly accommodate the maximum snowfall of 6.5 inches. However, if we must choose the largest value that can represent the data, 5 inches would be the best choice despite it being insufficient, as it is the closest scale to work with compared to the others.