Question

If a hiker started at sea level and increased his altitude by 75 meters before decreasing his altitude by 112 meters, what was his final altitude

Answer 1

-37 meters

Explanation:

75+(-112)=-37

Answer 2

-37 meters

Explanation:

If the hiker started at sea level, his altitude would start at 0. Then, if he hikes 75 meters higher, his altitude would now be 75, since it's in the positive direction. But if he hikes downwards and decreases his altitude by 112, since 112 is bigger than 75, the number would be in the negatives. This would give you this equation (f meaning final altitude):

(0 + 75) - 112 = f

75 - 112 = f

-37 = f