Based on the data provided in Michelle's table, use complete sentences to explain how the average rate of change in Boynton Beach's rainfall for the years 2004-2013 can be found. Use the data provided in the table to calculate the average rate of change in precipitation.
Use complete sentences to explain what the average rate of change means in terms of the average rainfall.
To find the average rate of change in Boynton Beach's rainfall for the years 2004-2013, one must take the difference in precipitation between the beginning and end years and divide by the number of years. In this case, the difference between the precipitation in 2004 and 2013 is 1.51 inches and there are 9 years in between, giving an average rate of change of 0.17 inches per year.
The average rate of change means that for every year between 2004 and 2013, the average rainfall increased by 0.17 inches. This shows a gradual increase in precipitation over the nine-year period.