Question

Scientists are studying the effects of increased temperature, which causes bleaching on coral reefs. A scientist dives at two different reefs, one located 34 feet below sea level and one at 26 feet below sea level. Write and evaluate a subtraction expression to find the change in elevation needed in order for the diver to reach the deeper reef.

A) 34 - 26
B) 26 - 34
C) 34 + 26
D) 34 × 26

Answer 1

The diver needs to descend an additional 8 feet to reach the deeper reef, calculated by the subtraction expression 34 - 26.

Step-by-step explanation:

The change in elevation needed for the diver to reach the deeper reef is found by the subtraction expression 34 - 26, corresponding to option A). To reach the deeper reef, which is 34 feet below sea level, from a reef that is 26 feet below sea level, we calculate the difference in depth. The expression 34 - 26 evaluates to 8 feet, meaning the diver needs to descend an additional 8 feet to reach the deeper reef.