Final answer:
When discussing elevations in relation to sea level, using the correct units of measurement, like feet, is crucial. -12 feet is an elevation that is below sea level, and without additional elevation data for comparison, one cannot determine if it is closer or farther from sea level. Understanding of scale factors and the importance of precise calculations is also highlighted.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asked if -12 feet is closer to or farther from sea level than an elevation. This seems like there may be missing information, as 'an elevation' needs to be specified for comparison. However, if we take '-12 feet' to mean 12 feet below sea level, then it is closer to sea level than elevations that are more than 12 feet above or below it. For instance, an elevation of -12 feet is closer to sea level than an elevation of -20 feet or an elevation of 20 feet.
In the context of measurements and scale, it is crucial to use proper units to convey information accurately. As in the example given, when asking about the distance between two points, units such as feet, inches, or miles provide clarity and are essential in understanding the actual distance involved.
Another concept related to this question is the use of scale factor to determine real-life measurements based on a scaled drawing. If the scale factor is known, one can calculate the actual size of an object. For example, with a scale factor of 1/72, a 1(1/2) inch drawing of a swimming pool would correspond to an actual diameter of 9 feet (1.5 inches multiplied by 72).
Understanding the difference between estimations and exact measurements is another aspect of solving mathematical problems. Rough guesstimates can sometimes be near to the actual value, as in the case of estimating something to be 10 feet when the actual value is 120 inches, which is exactly 10 feet. However, carefully calculated approximations usually provide much more precision.