Florida Teacher Certification Examinations (FTCE) Subject Area Practice Test

During a temperature recording project, what would the expected temperature be at the 5th minute if the pattern continues from previous data?

1. 30 degrees C

2. 32 degrees C

3. 34 degrees C

4. 36 degrees C

The correct answer is: 34 degrees C

In this context, determining the expected temperature at the 5th minute relies on identifying a discernible pattern from the data provided prior to the 5th minute. If the temperature data shows a consistent increase or follows a particular sequence—in this case, an incremental increase over time—one can extrapolate this trend to predict future temperatures. For example, if the temperature readings from the previous minutes indicate an upward progression of 2 degrees for each minute, starting from 28 degrees, the sequence would be: at 1st minute, 28 degrees; at 2nd minute, 30 degrees; at 3rd minute, 32 degrees; at 4th minute, 34 degrees; and consequently, at the 5th minute, it would be expected to reach 36 degrees. Recognizing this pattern allows for accurate predictions based upon established trends. Thus, if the established data progression leads to the anticipated temperature of 34 degrees at the 5th minute, it is essential to acknowledge the numerical pattern that supports this conclusion. Patterns in data are vital for forecasting and understanding how variables behave over time.