Question

The table shows the elevations of the highest and lowest points in California, where negative numbers are feet below sea level. Which inequality correctly compares the elevations?A. 14,494 < -282B. -282 > 14,494C. -282 < 14,494D. 282 > 14,494

Answer 1

Option C states
`\( -282 < 14,494 \)`, which is another way of writing
`\( 14,494 > -282 \)` with the smaller number on the left, which is the conventional way inequalities are written.

the step-by-step reasoning process:

Step 1: Understand the Context

- Elevations above sea level are positive numbers.

- Elevations below sea level are negative numbers.

Step 2: Identify the Elevations

- Mount Whitney has an elevation of 14,494 feet, which is a positive number because it's above sea level.

- Death Valley has an elevation of -282 feet, which is a negative number because it's below sea level.

Step 3: Number Comparison

- Positive numbers are always greater than negative numbers.

- Therefore, an elevation of 14,494 feet (Mount Whitney) is higher than an elevation of -282 feet (Death Valley).

Step 4: Write the Inequality

- To express that Mount Whitney is higher than Death Valley, we would write the inequality as Mount Whitney's elevation is greater than Death Valley's elevation.

- This translates to
`\( 14,494 > -282 \)`.

Step 5: Choose the Correct Option

- We look at the options provided to find the one that matches our inequality.

- Option C states
`\( -282 < 14,494 \)`, which is another way of writing
`\( 14,494 > -282 \)` with the smaller number on the left, which is the conventional way inequalities are written.

Therefore, the correct answer is:

C.
`\( -282 < 14,494 \)`

This inequality correctly indicates that the elevation of Death Valley is less than the elevation of Mount Whitney.

Answer 2

Given:

The elevation of highest point is, h = 14,494 ft.

The elevation of lowest point is, l = -282 ft.

The objective is to choose the correct inequality from the given options.

Step-by-step explanation:

The negative number represents that the value of lesser than zero.

Then, the correct representation will be,

[tex]\begin{gathered} lHence, option (C) is the correct answer.