Question

jamal loses 35 pounds. he loses the same number of pounds each week for 7 weeks. the equation below is written to represent the situation: -35 ÷ 7 = -5 which description best explains the meaning of -5 in the equation? a jamal weighs -5 pounds each week. b the change in jamals weight each week is -5. c the total change in jamals weight is -5. d it takes jamal -5 weeks to reach a change in weight of -35.

Explanation:

Step1: Analyze the equation meaning

The equation \(-35\div7 = -5\) represents the total weight loss (\(-35\) pounds) divided by the number of weeks (\(7\)).

Step2: Interpret each option

• Option A: Weight can't be negative in this context in terms of "weighing \(-5\) pounds each week" as weight is a non - negative physical quantity in normal terms.
• Option B: \(-35\div7=-5\) means the change in weight per week. Since he is losing weight, the change is negative. So, the change in Jamal's weight each week is \(-5\) (pounds lost per week).
• Option C: The total change is \(-35\), not \(-5\).
• Option D: The number of weeks is \(7\), not \(-5\).

Answer:

B. The change in Jamal's weight each week is \(-5\).