Interpreting graph data to find mean body temperature

Steps:

• Examine the graph's y-axis for temperature values and x-axis for the 6-hour time period.
• Note key points: starting temperature at 06:00, ending at 18:00, and any peaks or troughs.
• Calculate the mean by averaging temperature readings or estimating the area under the curve divided by time.
• Compare this mean to the given value of 36.8°C.

Why D is correct:

• The mean temperature is the total thermal energy (area under the curve) divided by time duration, per the definition of average value in a continuous function, yielding 36.8°C over the period.

Why the others are wrong:

• A: Graph shows temperature at 18:00 equals or exceeds that at 06:00.
• B: After 1 hour, temperature reads higher than 36.8°C on the graph.
• C: At 18:00, temperature is above 36.8°C per the graph line.

Final answer: D