Question

The temperature went up by 5.C , then down by 3 ∘ C and finally an increase of 9 ∘ C , ending up at a temperature of 3 7 ∘ C. What was the starting temperature?​

Answer 1

To solve this problem, we need to use algebra. Let x be the starting temperature. Then, the first temperature increase of 5.C means the temperature is now x + 5. The subsequent decrease of 3.C brings the temperature back down to x + 2. Finally, the last increase of 9.C brings the temperature to x + 11, which we know is equal to 37.C. Solving for x, we get x = 26.C.

So, the starting temperature was 26.C.

Answer 2

By reversing the temperature changes from the final temperature of 37°C, it is determined that the starting temperature was 26°C.

Step-by-step explanation:

To find the starting temperature, we need to work backward from the final temperature, undoing each temperature change step by step. The final temperature after all changes is 37°C.

• First, we remove the last increase of 9°C. So, we subtract 9 from 37 which gives us 28°C.
• Then, we add back the decrease of 3°C which was earlier subtracted. So, we add 3 to 28 to get 31°C.
• Finally, we remove the initial increase of 5°C. Subtracting 5 from 31 gives us the starting temperature, which is 26°C.

Therefore, the starting temperature was 26°C.