Defining Average Temperature

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 49 views

Understanding the Problem

In this problem, we are given the high temperatures in a city over a five-day period. The temperatures were 13 °F on two days and -4 °F on the other three days. We need to find the average high temperature in this city during this five-day period.

Defining Average Temperature

The average temperature is calculated by adding up all the temperatures and then dividing by the number of days. In this case, we have two days with a temperature of 13 °F and three days with a temperature of -4 °F.

Calculating the Sum of Temperatures

To calculate the sum of temperatures, we need to multiply the temperature of each day by the number of days it occurred and then add them up.

For the two days with a temperature of 13 °F, the sum is: 13 °F x 2 = 26 °F
For the three days with a temperature of -4 °F, the sum is: -4 °F x 3 = -12 °F
The total sum of temperatures is: 26 °F + (-12 °F) = 14 °F

Calculating the Average Temperature

Now that we have the sum of temperatures, we can calculate the average temperature by dividing the sum by the number of days.

The number of days is: 5
The average temperature is: 14 °F ÷ 5 = 2.8 °F

Conclusion

In conclusion, the average high temperature in this city during the five-day period was 2.8 °F.

Answer

The correct answer is: d. 2.8 °F

Why is this the correct answer?

This is the correct answer because we calculated the average temperature by adding up all the temperatures and then dividing by the number of days. We used the formula: average temperature = (sum of temperatures) ÷ (number of days). By following this formula, we arrived at the correct answer of 2.8 °F.

Tips and Tricks

When calculating the average temperature, make sure to multiply the temperature of each day by the number of days it occurred.
When adding up the temperatures, make sure to add the positive and negative temperatures separately.
When dividing the sum of temperatures by the number of days, make sure to use the correct formula: average temperature = (sum of temperatures) ÷ (number of days).

Real-World Applications

Calculating average temperature is an important skill in many real-world applications, such as:

Weather forecasting: meteorologists use average temperature to predict future weather patterns.
Climate change: scientists use average temperature to study the effects of climate change.
Energy consumption: utilities use average temperature to estimate energy consumption.

Conclusion

Q: What is the formula for calculating average temperature?

A: The formula for calculating average temperature is: average temperature = (sum of temperatures) ÷ (number of days).

Q: How do I calculate the sum of temperatures?

A: To calculate the sum of temperatures, you need to multiply the temperature of each day by the number of days it occurred and then add them up.

Q: What if I have multiple temperatures for the same day?

A: If you have multiple temperatures for the same day, you need to add them up and then multiply the result by the number of days it occurred.

Q: Can I use a calculator to calculate the average temperature?

A: Yes, you can use a calculator to calculate the average temperature. Simply enter the sum of temperatures and the number of days, and the calculator will give you the average temperature.

Q: What if I have a negative temperature?

A: If you have a negative temperature, you need to add it to the sum of temperatures as a negative number. For example, if the temperature is -4 °F, you would add -4 °F to the sum of temperatures.

Q: Can I use a spreadsheet to calculate the average temperature?

A: Yes, you can use a spreadsheet to calculate the average temperature. Simply enter the temperatures in one column and the number of days in another column, and the spreadsheet will give you the average temperature.

Q: What is the difference between average temperature and mean temperature?

A: The terms "average temperature" and "mean temperature" are often used interchangeably, but technically, "mean temperature" refers to the average temperature of a given period, while "average temperature" can refer to the average temperature of a given period or a specific day.

Q: Can I calculate the average temperature for a specific time period?

A: Yes, you can calculate the average temperature for a specific time period. Simply enter the temperatures for the specific time period and the number of days, and the calculator or spreadsheet will give you the average temperature.

Q: What if I have missing data?

A: If you have missing data, you need to estimate the missing temperature or use a different method to calculate the average temperature.

Q: Can I use a formula to calculate the average temperature?

A: Yes, you can use a formula to calculate the average temperature. The formula is: average temperature = (sum of temperatures) ÷ (number of days).

Q: What is the significance of average temperature in real-world applications?

A: Average temperature is an important metric in many real-world applications, such as weather forecasting, climate change, and energy consumption.

Q: Can I use average temperature to predict future weather patterns?

A: Yes, you can use average temperature to predict future weather patterns. By analyzing the average temperature of a given period, you can make predictions about future weather patterns.

Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid when calculating average temperature?

A: Some common mistakes to avoid when calculating average temperature include:

Not multiplying the temperature of each day by the number of days it occurred
Not adding up the temperatures correctly
Not using the correct formula
Not considering missing data

Q: Can I use average temperature to study the effects of climate change?

A: Yes, you can use average temperature to study the effects of climate change. By analyzing the average temperature of a given period, you can make predictions about the effects of climate change.

Q: What are some real-world applications of average temperature?

A: Some real-world applications of average temperature include:

Weather forecasting
Climate change
Energy consumption
Agriculture
Transportation

Conclusion

In conclusion, calculating average temperature is an important skill that has many real-world applications. By following the formula: average temperature = (sum of temperatures) ÷ (number of days), you can calculate the average temperature with ease.