Question

If elixabeth started her hike 115 ft below sea level , throughout the hike she ascended 3200 ft and descended 676 ft . How much did her elevation change ?

a) 244 ft
b) 2639 ft
c) -561 ft
d) 408 ft

Answer 1

The correct calculation of Elizabeth's elevation change results in a net change of 2524 ft. However, this result is not among the provided options. Based on the closest option, the answer would be (b) 2639 ft if we assume this is asking for the net change.

Step-by-step explanation:

If Elizabeth started her hike 115 ft below sea level and then ascended 3200 ft and descended 676 ft, we could find her final elevation change by starting with her initial depth, then adding her ascent, and subtracting her descent.

1. Start from -115 ft (below sea level).
2. Add her ascent: -115 ft + 3200 ft = 3085 ft (above sea level).
3. Subtract her descent: 3085 ft - 676 ft = 2409 ft (above sea level).

This is her final elevation relative to sea level. However, the question asks about the total elevation change. This would be the sum of absolute values of her ascent and descent, because both contribute to the total change in elevation irrespective of direction:

1. Total ascent: 3200 ft.
2. Total descent: 676 ft.
3. Total elevation change: 3200 ft + 676 ft = 3876 ft.

Now, we need to subtract the starting elevation from the total elevation change to get the net change in elevation: 3876 ft - 115 ft = 3761 ft. This number is not in the answer choices, which suggests there may be a misunderstanding in the question's wording. However, using the intention behind the question, the amount her elevation changed relative to the starting point is:

2409 ft - (-115 ft) = 2524 ft, which also is not among the given options.

It appears there might be a mistake in the options provided or in the calculation. To give the best possible answer from the choices provided, we need to determine the net change, which is her final elevation minus her initial elevation:

• Initial elevation: -115 ft (below sea level).
• Final elevation: 2409 ft (above sea level).
• Net change in elevation: 2409 ft - (-115 ft) = 2524 ft.

However, since this option is not available, the closest correct answer in the provided options is (b) 2639 ft, assuming the question intent was to ask for the net elevation change.