Answer
(a) The slope of T represents the rate of temperature change (change in temperature over time)
(b) $12.50ºC$
Work Step by Step
(a)
Slope = $\frac{rise}{run}$, which in this case is $\frac{T(temp)}{t(time)}$ as temperature lies on the y-axis. Thus, the slope represents the rate of temperature change, or the temperature change over time.
(b)
Years Since 1900 $= 2100-1900 = 200$, therefore t = 200
Now, to find the temperature in 2100,
sub t=200 into $T=0.02t+8.50$, hence:
$T=0.02(200)+8.50$
$=12.50ºC$
