Question

The highest point in a country is a mountain peak 23,267 feet above sea level. The lowest point on

land is 115 feet below sea level. Explain the meaning of 0 in this situation. Then write each
elevation as a rational number.
What does 0 represent in this situation?

Answer 1

In this situation, 0 represents the level of the sea or sea level.

The mountain peak is 23,267 feet above sea level, so its elevation as a rational number is +23,267 feet.

The lowest point on land is 115 feet below sea level, so its elevation as a rational number is -115 feet.

Answer 2

0 is sea level, in feet. 0 feet above sea level = sea level.

Explanation:

23,267 feet is defined as "above sea level." That would mean that sea level is set at 0 feet, as a reference point. If a height was given with the description "above Earth's center," the Earth's center would be assigned a value of 0 feet. It is similar to a statements of distance, such as a person in Portland, OR, stating that "It is 174 miles to Seattle, WA." The reference point is Portland, OR, which in this context 0 miles is Portand, OR.