A snowstorm took place during the weekend. Meterologists tracked the total amount of snowfall for the storm. For the first 2 hours, it snowed at a rate of 1 inch per hou. The snow stoipped for an hour and a half, then resumed at a rate of 1.5 inces per hour for the next 3 hours. Based on this information, what scale would dwork best for representing the data on the y-axis?

Question

5
2
0.5
3

Answer 1

To represent the total snowfall from the snowstorm on a graph, we first need to calculate the total snowfall for each period.

1. For the first 2 hours:

   • 2 hours × 1 inch/hour = 2 inches

2. For the next 1.5 hours:

   • There was no snowfall, so this contribution is 0 inches.

3. For the last 3 hours:

   • 3 hours × 1.5 inches/hour = 4.5 inches

Now we can add these amounts together to get the total snowfall:

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

When representing this data on the y-axis of a graph, choose a scale that will accommodate the total snowfall value. Given the options:

• 5
• 2
• 0.5
• 3

None of these options allow for a maximum of 6.5 inches, as they all fall short.

If we typically want the graph to allow some space above the highest data point (in this case, 6.5 inches), a scale that includes segments accommodating rates that can easily continue past 7 inches would be ideal.

Given the options, while none perfectly fit, if you had to choose, you might consider the option that best allows for rounding up, which isn't ideal as presented. If you have the flexibility to include a scale like 7 or 8 inches overall as another option, it would make the most sense.

Ultimately, none of the provided scales effectively represent the data without additional scale increments being added.