the outside temperature decreases by 7 degrees in 3 1/2 hours. how would you represent the temperature…

Explanation:

Step1: Convert mixed - number to improper fraction

$3\frac{1}{2}=\frac{3\times2 + 1}{2}=\frac{7}{2}$

Step2: Calculate unit rate

The unit rate of temperature change is the change in temperature divided by the time. The temperature change is - 7 degrees (negative because it is decreasing). So the unit rate $r=\frac{-7}{\frac{7}{2}}$. Using the rule of dividing by a fraction ($a\div\frac{b}{c}=a\times\frac{c}{b}$), we have $r=-7\times\frac{2}{7}=- 2$ degrees per hour.

Step3: Calculate temperature change in 5 hours

If the rate is $r = - 2$ degrees per hour, and the time $t = 5$ hours, then the temperature change $\Delta T=r\times t$. So $\Delta T=-2\times5=-10$ degrees.

Answer:

The unit rate of temperature change is - 2 degrees per hour. The change in temperature after 5 hours is - 10 degrees.