A weather station was monitoring the temperature at its site in degrees Fahrenheit (F). A staff member wrote the expression [tex]84 + (-5) - 8[/tex].

Which statement best describes this expression?

A. The temperature started at 84 degrees F and increased by 5 degrees F. Then the temperature decreased by 8 degrees F.

B. The temperature started at 84 degrees F and increased by 5 degrees F. Then the temperature increased by 8 degrees F.

C. The temperature started at 84 degrees F and decreased by 5 degrees F. Then the temperature decreased by 8 degrees F.

D. The temperature started at 84 degrees F and decreased by 5 degrees F. Then the temperature increased by 8 degrees F.

The expression 84+(-5)-8 represents a decrease in temperature from an initial 84 degrees F, first by 5 degrees F and then by an additional 8 degrees F, resulting in a final temperature of 71 degrees F. Therefore, the correct answer is option c.

Explanation:

The correct statement that describes the expression 84+(-5)-8, where the temperature is being recorded in degrees Fahrenheit (F), is: C. The temperature started at 84 degrees F and decreased by 5 degrees F. Then the temperature decreased by 8 degrees F. This expression can be simplified step-by-step:

Starting temperature: 84 degrees F.
Decrease of 5 degrees: 84 + (-5) = 79 degrees F. The negative sign before the 5 indicates a decrease.
Further decrease of 8 degrees: 79 - 8 = 71 degrees F.

Therefore, the final temperature recorded would be 71 degrees F after both changes.