Question

Mr. Burnam decided to go hot air ballooning for his fortieth birthday. He launches from 6 feet above ground and then ascends 12 feet further. He didn't want to leave his wife behind, so he descends 20 feet to meet her. Where does mr. Burnam end up?

Answer 1

2 feet below the ground level at the place where he started.

Explanation:

After he adds 12 feet of elevation to the 6 feet above ground level where he launched, Mr Burnam is 6+12 = 18 feet above the ground level where he launched.

If he descends 20 feet, he will be 18 -20 = -2 feet above the ground level where he launched. That is, he is 2 feet below the ground level where he launched. We hope the ground slopes downward somewhat so Mr Burnam is not buried in the ground at that point.