To find the change in temperature, we can set up the equation based on the initial temperature and the final temperature.
Let \( T_1 \) be the temperature at 9 a.m. and \( T_2 \) be the temperature at noon.
- \( T_1 = -5.8 \) degrees Celsius
- \( T_2 = -1.6 \) degrees Celsius
The change in temperature (\( \Delta T \)) can be calculated using the equation:
\[ \Delta T = T_2 - T_1 \]
Substituting in the values:
\[ \Delta T = (-1.6) - (-5.8) \]
This simplifies to:
\[ \Delta T = -1.6 + 5.8 \] \[ \Delta T = 4.2 \]
The change in temperature during these three hours is \( 4.2 \) degrees Celsius.
Explanation of the Answer:
This change in temperature means that the air temperature increased by \( 4.2 \) degrees Celsius from 9 a.m. to noon. Initially, the temperature was very cold at \( -5.8 \) degrees Celsius, and it warmed up to \( -1.6 \) degrees Celsius. Thus, the temperature became significantly warmer over the three-hour period.