Question

A submarine was initially hovering 500 feet below the surface of the water. It then rose 125 feet and descended 225 feet to avoid detection. What was the final depth of the submarine?

Answer 1

The submarine's final depth is found by subtracting the ascent from the initial depth and then adding the descent, resulting in a final depth of 600 feet below the surface.

Step-by-step explanation:

The student posed a question involving simple arithmetic with a focus on understanding positive and negative numbers in the context of a submarine's depth changes. Initially, the submarine was at a depth of 500 feet below sea level. The submarine then rose by 125 feet and afterward descended another 225 feet. To find the final depth, we calculate: Initial depth + Rise - Descent = 500 feet - 125 feet + 225 feet. The subtraction of 125 feet represents the ascent, while the addition of 225 feet accounts for the subsequent descent.

Performing this calculation:
500 - 125 + 225 = 375 + 225 = 600 feet below the surface.

Therefore, after its movements, the submarine was at a depth of 600 feet below the surface of the water.