Question

At midnight, the temperature was 31.2°F. In the morning, the temperature was −6.7°F. Which statement describes the temperatures?

At midnight, the temperature was 31.2 degrees above 0, and in the morning, it was 6.7 degrees lower.
At midnight, the temperature was 31.2 degrees below 0, and in the morning, it was 6.7 degrees higher.
At midnight, the temperature was 31.2 degrees above 0, and in the morning, it was 6.7 degrees below 0.
At midnight, the temperature was 31.2 degrees below 0, and in the morning, it was 6.7 degrees above 0.

Answer 1

At midnight the temperature was 31.2 degrees above 0 and in the morning it was 6.7 degrees below 0.

Answer 2

At midnight, the temperature was 31.2 degrees above 0, and in the morning, it was 6.7 degrees below 0

Explanation:

To interpret the statement, we must know what the change in temperature is. the change in temperature is the difference between the temperature in the morning and that at midnight.

Using 0 as a benchmark, 31.2°F is above 0 while -6.7°F is below 0. Hence the right option is - At midnight, the temperature was 31.2 degrees above 0, and in the morning, it was 6.7 degrees below 0