Question

The water level is a number that indicates whether the level is above or below normal using positive or negative values. After a heavy storm, the water level of a river is −3.7 feet. This level is 1/2 times 2.5 feet more than the previous water level.

What was the previous water level?


Drag and drop a value into the box to correctly complete the statement.


The previous water level of the river was [Choose] feet.


A. -18.5

B. -9.9

C. -4.9

D. -4.3

Answer 1

-4.95 feet, which corresponds to choice (A).

Explanation:

To solve this problem, we can set up an equation using the given information. Let W be the previous water level. We know that the current water level is -3.7 feet and that it is 1/2 times 2.5 feet more than the previous water level, so we can set up the equation:

W = -3.7 - (1/2)(2.5)

Simplifying, we get:

W = -3.7 - 1.25

W = -4.95

The correct answer is therefore -4.95 feet, which corresponds to choice (A).