Question

An individual lost 2 pounds the first week of their diet. Over the next three weeks, they lost 7 pounds, gained 1 pounds, andthen lost 4 pounds. What was the change in their weight over the four weeks?(Use a negative number to indicate that they lost weight.)Provide your answer below:pounds

Answer 1

Using negative numbers to represent weight loss and positive numbers to represent weight gain, the change in weight over the four weeks was as follows:

Week 1: -2 pounds.

Week 2: -7 pounds.

Week 3: +1 pound.

Week 4: -4 pounds.

Add all the numbers to find the total change in weight over the four week period:

`-2-7+1-4=-12`

Therefore, the change in their weight over the four weeks was -12 pounds.