"The temperature dropped an average of \( x \) degrees per hour on Friday night. After 6 hours, the temperature had dropped a total of 42 degrees. How many degrees did it drop per hour?" \( x= \) degrees Type your answer...

The temperature dropped at a consistent rate over the 6-hour span, which means we can set up a simple algebraic equation. Since the total drop is 42 degrees, we can express that as \( 6x = 42 \), where \( x \) is the drop per hour. To find \( x \), divide both sides of the equation by 6: \( x = \frac{42}{6} \), which means the temperature dropped at a rate of 7 degrees per hour. So, \( x = 7 \) degrees.