Step 1 :The problem is asking for the inverse function of \(T(h)\), which is \(T^{-1}(x)\). The inverse function will give us the height above the surface when the temperature is \(x\) degrees Celsius.
Step 2 :To find the inverse function, we need to switch the roles of \(h\) and \(x\) in the equation \(T(h) = 48.5 - 2.5h\), and then solve for \(h\).
Step 3 :The inverse function of \(T(h)\) is \(T^{-1}(x) = 19.4 - 0.4x\). This function gives us the height above the surface when the temperature is \(x\) degrees Celsius.
Step 4 :Now, we can use this function to find \(T^{-1}(33)\), which is the height above the surface when the temperature is 33 degrees Celsius.
Step 5 :Final Answer: (a) The statement that best describes \(T^{-1}(x)\) is 'The height above the surface (in kilometers) when the temperature is \(x\) degrees Celsius.' (b) \(T^{-1}(x) = 19.4 - 0.4x\) (c) \(T^{-1}(33) = \boxed{6.2}\) kilometers.