Question

A mountain climber starts a climb at an elevation of 453 feet above sea level. At his first rest stop he has climbed 162 feet, and by his second rest stop he has climbed another 207 feet. It's getting late in the day, so the climber starts his way down. If the climber descends 285 feet, how much does he need to ascend or descend to return to the original staring point?

Answer 1

descend 84 feet

Explanation:

Opposite quantities combine to make 0.

The climber ascends 369 feet and then descends 285 feet.

So, the climber needs to descend another 84 feet.

(162 + 207) + (−285 + (−84)) =

369 + (−369) = 0

Answer 2

He needs to descend 84 feet