Determine what type of model best fits the given situation: The temperature of a cup of coffee decreases by 5 F every 20 minutes.

A first-order polynomial best fits the given situation.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement indicates a constant rate of change in a given time interval, so the model that best fits the given situation is a first-order polynomial model, which is a generalized form of a model with direct proportionality. That is:

Where:

- Current temperature, measured in Fahrenheit degrees.

- Initial temperature, measured in Fahrenheit degrees.

- Temperature rate of change, measured in Fahrenheit degrees per minute.

- Time, measured in minutes.

The statement describes the temperature rate of change, which is equal to: