Weather Station: Readings and Departures
0 / 14Weather Station: Readings and Departures
Distinguish greater readings from greater distances from zero.
Temperature and Distance from Zero
Use the temperature log for Questions 1–5. Absolute value measures distance from zero; it does not tell whether a temperature is warmer or colder.
| Time | Temperature (°C) |
|---|---|
| 5 a.m. | −9 |
| 8 a.m. | −4 |
| Noon | 6 |
| 3 p.m. | 9 |
1.
Which comparison shows that 8 a.m. was warmer than 5 a.m.?
2.
Compare the 5 a.m. and noon temperatures by their distances from 0°C.
The greater distance is °C. The temperature with that distance is °C.
3.
How do the 5 a.m. and 3 p.m. readings compare?
4.
Select every true statement about the temperature log.
5.
Each statement is true. Sort it by what it compares.
Rainfall Departures
A rainfall departure is the amount above or below the usual rainfall. A negative departure means less rain than usual, not negative rainfall. Use the table for Questions 6–10.
| Week | Departure (mm) |
|---|---|
| A | −14 |
| B | −6 |
| C | 10 |
| D | 0 |
6.
Which statement correctly compares Weeks A and B?
7.
Compare Weeks A and C. Which signed departure is farther from the usual rainfall?
The departure farther from usual is mm. Its absolute value is mm.
8.
Which pair correctly gives the greatest signed departure and the smallest absolute departure, in that order?
9.
A report says, “Week A had the greatest signed departure because 14 is the greatest absolute value.” Which correction is accurate?
10.
The station flags a week when its rainfall departure is more than 8 mm from zero, whether above or below usual. Select all weeks that should be flagged.
Check New Station Reports
Decide whether each situation calls for comparing signed values or their absolute values.
11.
Two sensors record −2.5°C and 1.5°C. The station checks the sensor farther from 0°C first. Which reading comes first, and how does it compare numerically with the other reading?
12.
Two new weeks have rainfall departures of −7.5 mm and −3.5 mm. A summary must name both the greater signed departure and the greater shortage.
The greater signed departure is mm. The greater shortage has a size of mm.
13.
A station's rainfall departures are −11 mm in one week and 11 mm in another. Which sentence belongs in its report?
14.
One morning the station reads −8°C, and that afternoon it reads 5°C. Write a short report with one inequality comparing the temperatures and one comparing their distances from 0°C. Explain what each comparison tells a reader.