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 meaning of the equation

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

Step2: Interpret the result

The result $-5$ represents the amount of weight lost per week. A negative sign indicates weight loss.

• Option A is incorrect because weight can't be negative in this context (it's about the change, not the actual weight value as a negative number for weight).
• Option C is incorrect because the total change is $-35$, not $-5$.
• Option D is incorrect because the number of weeks is $7$, not $-5$.

Answer:

B. The change in Jamal's weight each week is $- 5$.