Question

the outside temperature was 73°f at 1 p.m. and decreases at a rate of 1.5°f each hour. what expression can be used to determine the temperature h hours after 1 p.m.?

Explanation:

Step1: Identify Initial Temperature and Rate

The initial temperature at 1 P.M. is \( 73^\circ\text{F} \), and the rate of decrease is \( 1.5^\circ\text{F} \) per hour.

Step2: Formulate the Expression

For each hour \( h \), the temperature decrease is \( 1.5h \) (since rate times time gives the total decrease). To find the temperature \( h \) hours after 1 P.M., we subtract the total decrease from the initial temperature. So the expression is \( 73 - 1.5h \).

Answer:

The expression to determine the temperature \( h \) hours after 1 P.M. is \( 73 - 1.5h \).