Final answer:
The overall change in altitude is a descent of 275 feet from the base camp, which is found by summing the ascents and descents during the hike.
Step-by-step explanation:
To find the overall change in altitude during the hike, you simply need to add up the changes in altitude from each segment of the hike. The hiker starts by hiking 200 feet above base camp, then down 125 feet, and finally down another 350 feet. These changes can be represented by positive values (for ascent) and negative values (for descent).
Here is how you calculate it:
- Initial hike up: +200 feet
- Hike down: -125 feet
- Further hike down: -350 feet
The overall change in altitude is the sum of these changes:
+200 feet - 125 feet - 350 feet = -275 feet
Therefore, the overall change in altitude is a descent of 275 feet from the base camp.