Question

A scuba diver used the expression below to describe his position in relation to sea level.

2 + (–20) + 8

Which statement could describe the diver’s movements?
a.Starting on a platform 2 feet above sea level, dive down to a location that is 18
feet below sea level, and then rise 8 feet.

b.Starting on a platform 2 feet above sea level, dive down to a location that is 20 feet below sea level, and then rise 8 feet.

c.Starting 2 feet below sea level, dive down 20 more feet, and then rise to a location that is 8 feet below sea level.

d.Starting 2 feet below sea level, dive down 18 more feet, and then rise to a location that is 8 feet below sea level.

Answer 1

A.Starting on a platform 2 feet above sea level, dive down to a location that is 18 feet below sea level, and then rise 8 feet.

Answer 2

a.Starting on a platform 2 feet above sea level, dive down to a location that is 18 feet below sea level, and then rise 8 feet.

Explanation:

The first number (2) is positive and represents the height above the sea level that the scuba diver started. So, options c) and d) are incorrect.

If the (-20) represent s the position (-20) feet below the sea, as stated in option b), then, the position (+8) will represent that the scuba diver will be 8 feet above the sea level in the next position, which has no sense.

Therefore, option a) is the correct one.