A scientist is taking temperature measurements at different elevations on Mt. Everest.

Question

The temperature at base camp is 22℃. The scientist observes that the temperature decreases by 5℃ every 1000 meters.

A student writes a mathematical model for the temperature-elevation relationship:

T=(-5℃)E where T is temperature in degrees celsius and E is elevation in meters.

This mathematical model is wrong. Your answer should explain what is wrong with the original model, and what a correct model would be.

Answer 1

T=(-5℃)E where T is temperature in degrees celsius and E is elevation in meters.

T ( ⁰C) = 22- 5E should be the correct expression

When E = 0

T = 22⁰C

E has values as0,1,2,3,4 and so on for elevation of 100m, 2000m ,300m , 4000m , and so on respectively

T= 22- 0 for Elevation = 0

T = 22- 5 = 17⁰C , when E = 1 , which means elevation of 1000m

T = 22-10 = 12 ⁰C, When E =2 , which means 2000m

T = 22- 15 = 7⁰C, When E = 3 , which means 3000m

T = 2⁰C, when E = 4 , which means elevation is 4000m

T = -3⁰C when E = 5, Which means elevation = 5000m

T = -8⁰C , When E = 6, which means elevation of 6000m

Remember values of E as0 ,1,2,3,4,...... Correspond to elevations of 0, 1000m, 2000m , 3000m ,4000m and so on