This concept which I'm discussing in this question is common in O-Level E-Maths Paper 1.
Just pay attention that we're using difference in temperatures compared to height of mountain.
General knowledge: As we ascend the mountain, the temperature drops. In other words, the higher you're on a mountain, the colder it gets.
I hope you find the step by step solution easy to understand.
An alternative is to plot a graph and everything becomes simple!
can we use gradient to find the temperature instead?
That's insufficient. Form a table first. For me, I use x-axis as ht, y-axis as temp.Sketch the graph. From there, construct the y=mx+c equation. Sub in the y value and you will get the x!
ps:This method is 'widely used' in lab, where they put in a value into the computer and they get the end result!
The type of questions that have a hint of direct proportion indicates the use of this method. Might be a bit longwinded but will ease confusion.
how do i deal with this qns if they asked ! what is the temperature at for instance 1500 m ! can you demonstrate it here!urgent!damn weak in this
i dont know how to attach the image file here. roughly the steps are:
1) sketch the graph of ht vs temp. Indicate three points: A(-16,3250); B(-10, h) & C(10,0) on the linear line, where h denotes the ht at -10 deg. C
2) calcuate for h :
gradient AB = gradient AC
(h-3250)/[(-10-(-16)] = (3250-0)/(-16-10)
h-3250 = -750
so, h = 2500 metres
Also can.