To choose the best scale for representing the data on the x-axis, we first need to analyze the total time duration of the snowstorm.
- First phase: 2 hours of snowfall at 1 inch per hour.
- Second phase: 1.5 hours without snowfall.
- Third phase: 3 hours of snowfall at 1.5 inches per hour.
Now, let’s calculate the total duration:
- Total time = 2 hours (first phase) + 1.5 hours (paused) + 3 hours (third phase) = 6.5 hours.
The options for the x-axis scale provided are:
- 2 hrs
- 5 hrs
- 0.5 hrs
- 3 hrs
Since the total duration of the storm is 6.5 hours, a scale that accommodates this duration would be ideal.
Among the given options, the scale of 2 hours would allow for a clear representation of the entire duration on the x-axis since it will fit into the total time while keeping the intervals manageable.
Thus, the best scale for representing the data on the x-axis would be 2 hrs.