Question

A pelican dives from a height of 28 feet above the water's surface and reaches a depth of 5.5 feet below the water's surface. Which equation can you use to find the total distance d in feet that the pelican dropped?

A) Od = 28 - 5.5
B) -5.5 = 28 - d
C) d + 28 = -5.5
D) 28 = 5.5 + d

Answer 1

The equation that can be used to find the total distance d in feet that the pelican dropped is d + 28 = -5.5, which upon rearrangement yields d = 28 + 5.5.

Step-by-step explanation:

The equation to find the total distance d in feet that the pelican dropped would be the sum of the distance it dived above the water and the distance it went below the water's surface. This is represented by the equation d = 28 + 5.5, which reflects that the pelican fell 28 feet before hitting the water's surface and then continued to dive an additional 5.5 feet underwater. Therefore, the correct option from the list provided is:

Option C) d + 28 = -5.5:

This equation is rearranged to solve for d, which will give d = 28 + 5.5 upon moving 28 to the other side and changing the sign.