Question

the temperature was very cold. then the temperature doubled. then the temperature dropped by 10 degrees. then the temperature increased by 40 degrees. the temperature is now 16 degrees. what was the starting temperature? (1 point) -7 degrees -1 degrees 0 degrees 1 degrees 7 degrees

Explanation:

Step1: Define starting temperature

Let the starting temperature be $x$.

Step2: Apply temperature doubling

Temperature becomes $2x$.

Step3: Apply 10-degree drop

Temperature becomes $2x - 10$.

Step4: Apply 40-degree increase

Temperature becomes $2x - 10 + 40 = 2x + 30$.

Step5: Set equal to final temp

Set up equation: $2x + 30 = 16$

Step6: Solve for x

Subtract 30: $2x = 16 - 30 = -14$
Divide by 2: $x = \frac{-14}{2} = -7$

Answer:

-7 degrees