Question

A seagull flies 50 feet above sea level. A dolphin swims 20 feet below sea level. Which animal is closest to sea level? Be sure to explain WHY.

Answer 1

A dolphin because -20 is closer to 0 than 50 is to 0.

Answer 2

The dolphin is closest.

Explanation:

Since we are discussing absolute value and not negative/positive, you're looking for the number closest to 0. The seagull would be farther since 50>20.

The dolphin is closest to sea level, which is 0.