Question

question
during a snowstorm, snow fell at a constant rate for a number of hours. then it stopped snowing for a number of hours. then it started up again at a different constant rate. rajani made a graph showing the inches of snow on the ground over time using the data that she collected.

at what rate was the snow falling during the first snowfall?

answer
2 inches every 1 hour
3 inches every 1 hour
1 inch every 3 hours
1 inch every 2 hours

Explanation:

Step1: Identify first snowfall data

From the graph, at \( x = 0 \) (start), snow is \( 5 \) inches. At \( x = 3 \) hours, snow is \( 11 \) inches (first segment end).

Step2: Calculate snowfall amount

Change in snow: \( 11 - 5 = 6 \) inches. Time elapsed: \( 3 - 0 = 3 \) hours.

Step3: Find rate

Rate = \( \frac{\text{Change in snow}}{\text{Time}} = \frac{6}{3} = 2 \) inches per hour. So rate is 2 inches every 1 hour.

Answer:

2 inches every 1 hour