Question

vicky records the low temperature for three consecutive days. between the first and second days the temperature increased 6 degrees. between the second and third days the temperature decreased 3 degrees. on the third day the low temperature was - 6°. what was the low temperature on the first day? -15 degrees -9 degrees

Explanation:

Step1: Work backwards from third - day temperature

Let the temperature on the first day be $x$. The temperature on the second day is $x + 6$ (since it increased by 6 degrees from the first day). The temperature on the third day is $(x + 6)-3$.
We know the third - day temperature is - 6. So we set up the equation $(x + 6)-3=-6$.

Step2: Simplify the left - hand side of the equation

Simplify $(x + 6)-3$ to $x+3$. So the equation becomes $x + 3=-6$.

Step3: Solve for $x$

Subtract 3 from both sides of the equation: $x=-6 - 3$.
$x=-9$.

Answer:

-9 degrees