To estimate the total change in the water level at the lake over a 3-month period, you would need to follow these steps:
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Determine the Rate of Change: First, identify the current rate of change of the water level. This could be an increase or decrease measured in units such as feet or meters per month. For example, if the water level is rising at a rate of 2 inches per month, that is your rate of change.
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Calculate the Change Over 3 Months: Multiply the monthly rate of change by the number of months (in this case, 3 months). Using the example of a rise of 2 inches per month: \[ \text{Total Change} = \text{Rate of Change per Month} \times \text{Number of Months} \] \[ \text{Total Change} = 2 \text{ inches/month} \times 3 \text{ months} = 6 \text{ inches} \]
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Determine the Direction: Be sure to note whether this change is an increase or decrease in the water level, as this will affect how you describe the total change (i.e., "the water level rose by 6 inches" or "the water level fell by 6 inches").
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Report the Estimate: Finally, present your estimate clearly, indicating both the magnitude and the direction of the change. Using our example, you would say, “If the water level continues to rise at 2 inches per month, we can estimate that the total change in water level after 3 months will be an increase of 6 inches.”
This straightforward approach allows you to estimate changes in water level over a defined period based on consistent rates.
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