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: $-35div7 = -5$ 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:

• Option A: Weight can't be negative in this context. It's about the change in weight, not the actual weight value.
• Option B: Since he loses 35 pounds in 7 weeks and the equation is \(-35\div7=-5\), the \(-5\) represents the change (loss) in weight per week.
• Option C: The total change is \(-35\), not \(-5\).
• Option D: Weeks can't be negative in this practical situation.

Answer:

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