The table below displays the outdoor temperature, in degrees Fahrenheit, at Alicia's house over several hours.

Question

Hours Passed Temperature
0 63
1 66
2 69
3 72
4 75

Which equation best represents the temperature, T, at Alicia's house, after h hours have passed?
T = -3h + 63
T = 3h + 63
T = 4h + 63
T = 12h + 63

Answer 1

To determine the equation that best represents the temperature (T) at Alicia's house after h hours, we can analyze the data presented in the table:

• At hour 0, the temperature is 63°F.
• At hour 1, the temperature is 66°F (a change of +3°F from hour 0).
• At hour 2, the temperature is 69°F (a change of +3°F from hour 1).
• At hour 3, the temperature is 72°F (a change of +3°F from hour 2).
• At hour 4, the temperature is 75°F (a change of +3°F from hour 3).

From this information, we can see that the temperature increases by 3°F for each hour that passes. Therefore, we can express the temperature as follows:

1. Start with the initial temperature: 63°F when h = 0.
2. For each hour (h), the temperature increases by 3°F, which can be expressed as \( T = 63 + 3h \).

This fits with the option:

T = 3h + 63

Thus, the correct equation that represents the temperature at Alicia's house after h hours is:

T = 3h + 63.