To find the change in temperature from 9 a.m. to noon, we can set up the equation using the temperatures at these times.
Let:
- \( T_1 = -5.8 \) °C (temperature at 9 a.m.)
- \( T_2 = -1.6 \) °C (temperature at noon)
The change in temperature (\( \Delta T \)) can be calculated using the formula:
\[ \Delta T = T_2 - T_1 \]
Substituting the values we have:
\[ \Delta T = -1.6 - (-5.8) \]
This can be simplified as follows:
\[ \Delta T = -1.6 + 5.8 \]
Now, performing the addition:
\[ \Delta T = 4.2 \]
Thus, the change in temperature during these three hours is \( 4.2 \) degrees Celsius.
Explanation of the Answer:
The answer of \( 4.2 \) °C means that the temperature increased by 4.2 degrees from 9 a.m. to noon. Initially, the temperature was quite cold at −5.8 °C, but by noon, it had warmed up to −1.6 °C. This indicates a significant warming trend in the air temperature over the course of three hours.