Question

A set of steps leads down into a swimming pool. Some of the steps are above the water level and some of the steps are below the water level. The top of one of the steps is even with the water level of the pool. Each step is 8 inches tall. Positions below the water level are represented as negative values and positions above the water level are represented as positive values. Kevin's feet are on the step that is even with the water level of the pool. Kevin then moves to a new position on the steps. The product represents the new position of Kevin's feet. (a) Explain what the product means in terms of how Kevin moved on the steps. (b) Calculate the product to determine the new position of Kevin's feet.

Answer 1

(a) The product represents the new position of Kevin's feet on the steps. (b) To calculate the product, we need to know the initial position of Kevin's feet and the distance he has moved.

Step-by-step explanation:

(a) The product represents the new position of Kevin's feet on the steps. Since the steps are represented as positive and negative values depending on their position relative to the water level, the product tells us how much Kevin has moved up or down the steps.

(b) To calculate the product, we need to know the initial position of Kevin's feet and the distance he has moved. Let's assume Kevin's initial position is -8 inches, since the step he was on was even with the water level. If Kevin moves up 4 steps, which is 32 inches, his new position would be -8 + 32 = 24 inches. Therefore, the product is 24 inches.