Question

The elevation of Location 1 is 20 feet above sea level, and the elevation of Location 2 is 50 feet below sea level. Which comparison of these locations is both true and correctly justified?

Options:
A) Because 20 < 50, Location 1 is higher.
B) Because 20 < 50, Location 2 is higher.
C) Because -50 < 20, Location 1 is higher.
D) Because -50 < 20, Location 2 is higher.

Answer 1

The correct answer is:

C) Because -50 < 20, Location 1 is higher.

Answer 2

The comparison of elevations between two locations is a mathematical concept involving positive and negative values in relation to sea level. Location 1, at +20 feet, is higher than Location 2 at -50 feet, since on the number line positive numbers are higher than negative numbers.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question involves the comparison of elevations between two locations relative to sea level, one being above and the other below. When comparing elevations, it is important to understand that elevations above sea level are considered positive while elevations below sea level are negative.

Location 1 has an elevation of 20 feet above sea level, which can be represented as +20. Location 2 has an elevation of 50 feet below sea level, which can be represented as -50. When comparing these two elevations, we must consider the negative value for Location 2. Therefore, when we compare +20 (Location 1) to -50 (Location 2), it is clear that +20 is higher because in the number line, positive numbers are always higher than negative numbers.

The correct comparison and justification would then be: Because -50 < 20, Location 1 is higher. This statement accurately reflects the fact that 20 feet above sea level is higher than 50 feet below sea level.