Scientists are studying the temperature on a distant planet. Let y represent the temperature (in degrees Celsius). Let x represent the height above the surface (in kilometers). Suppose that x and y are related by the equation -5x + 23 =y.
Answer the questions below.
What is the temperature on the surface of the planet?
What is the temperature change for each kilometer we go up from the surface?
To find the temperature on the surface of the planet, we can substitute x=0 into the equation -5x + 23 = y:
-5(0) + 23 = y
23 = y
So, the temperature on the surface of the planet is 23 degrees Celsius.
To find the temperature change for each kilometer we go up from the surface, we can calculate the change in y for each kilometer increase in x.
Let's calculate the temperature at x=1 km:
-5(1) + 23 = y
-5 + 23 = y
18 = y
Now let's calculate the temperature change for each kilometer we go up from the surface:
Change in y = 18 - 23
Change in y = -5
Therefore, the temperature decreases by 5 degrees Celsius for each kilometer we go up from the surface.