Question

Max is scuba diving at elevation of -64.5 feet, when friend signals to come higher. Max makes 2 descents, each an equal distance to reach an elevation of -21.4 feet, where his friend is located. What was max’s elevation after his first ascent?

Answer 1

Let x be the distance of each descent.

Then:

`-64.5+x+x=-21.4`

Solving the equation:

`-64.5+2x=-21.4`

Adding 64.5 to both sides and then dividing the sides by 2:

`\begin{gathered} -64.5+2x+64.5=-21.4+64.5 \\ 2x=43.1 \\ (2x)/(2)=(43.1)/(2) \\ x=21.55 \end{gathered}`

So, after the first descent, the distance is:

`\begin{gathered} -64.5+21.55 \\ -42.95 \end{gathered}`

Answer: - 42.95 feet.