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

2
2

0.5
0.5

5
5

3

Answer 1

To determine the best scale for representing the total snowfall on the y-axis, let's calculate the total snowfall during the snowstorm:

1. First 2 hours: It snowed at a rate of 1 inch per hour.

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

2. Next 1.5 hours: There is no snowfall, so the total remains at 2 inches.

3. Next 3 hours: It snowed at a rate of 1.5 inches per hour.

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

4. Total snowfall for the entire storm:

   • Total snowfall = 2 inches (first 2 hours) + 0 inches (next 1.5 hours) + 4.5 inches (last 3 hours) = 6.5 inches.

Now, looking at the response options for a scale on the y-axis:

• 2 (does not adequately represent the total of 6.5 inches)
• 0.5 (too small)
• 5 (does not adequately represent the total of 6.5 inches)
• 3 (does not adequately represent the total of 6.5 inches)

Since the total snowfall is 6.5 inches, a scale that ranges beyond this total will be needed. A scale such as increments of 1 inch would be suitable. However, none of the provided options fit well for conveying the total snowfall effectively.

For clarity, in practical application:

• If you were to choose among those options, none are ideal; the best option mathematically would be “5” since it is the closest larger option, even though it does not cover the entire snowfall amount.

If needing to select based solely on the given choices, I recommend the scale of 5 for the y-axis because it’s the highest, thereby providing the best possible visualization even if it does not fully encompass the total snowfall of 6.5 inches.