The temperature dropped [tex]$-4^{\circ} F$[/tex] on Monday, [tex]$-5^{\circ} F$[/tex] on Tuesday, and [tex]$-3^{\circ} F$[/tex] on Wednesday. Which equation correctly shows how to find the average drop in temperature for all three days?

A.
[tex]\[
\begin{array}{l}
(-4)+(-5)+(-3)=-12 \\
-12 \div -3=4
\end{array}
\][/tex]

B.
[tex]$(-4)+(-5)+(-3)=12 \\
12 \div 3=4
$[/tex]

C.
[tex]\[
\begin{array}{l}
(-4)+(-5)+(-3)=-12 \\
-12 \div 3=-4
\end{array}
\][/tex]



Answer :

Let's break down the process step by step:

1. Sum the Temperature Drops:
The temperature dropped [tex]\( -4^{\circ}F \)[/tex] on Monday, [tex]\( -5^{\circ}F \)[/tex] on Tuesday, and [tex]\( -3^{\circ}F \)[/tex] on Wednesday. We need to sum these drops to find the total temperature change over the three days.
[tex]\[ (-4) + (-5) + (-3) = -12 \][/tex]

2. Calculate the Average Drop:
To find the average drop in temperature, we need to divide the total drop by the number of days, which is 3.
\\
[tex]\[ \frac{-12}{3} = -4 \][/tex]

So, the step-by-step solution involves:
- Summing the individual drops: [tex]\((-4) + (-5) + (-3) = -12\)[/tex]
- Dividing the total sum by the number of days: [tex]\( \frac{-12}{3} = -4 \)[/tex]

Therefore, the correct equation to find the average drop is:
[tex]\[ \begin{array}{l} (-4)+(-5)+(-3)=-12 \\ -12 \div 3 = -4 \end{array} \][/tex]