Final answer:
The rock climber must descend an additional 10 1/2 feet to reach the original level after ascending 18 3/4 feet and descending 8 1/4 feet.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student is asking how much farther the rock climber must descend to reach the original level after having ascended 18 3/4 feet and having already descended 8 1/4 feet. To find this, we need to subtract the distance already descended from the total ascent.
Firstly, convert the mixed numbers to improper fractions:
18 3/4 feet = 75/4 feet
8 1/4 feet = 33/4 feet
Now subtract the descent from the ascent:
75/4 feet - 33/4 feet = 42/4 feet
Finally, convert back to a mixed number:
42/4 feet = 10 1/2 feet
The rock climber must descend an additional 10 1/2 feet to return to the original level.