Question

A pelican flies 2 1/4 feet above the surface of the ocean. A dolphin swims 10 1/2 feet below the surface. How far apart are the dolphin and the pelican ?

Answer 1

The dolphin is 8
`(1)/(4)` feet away from the pelican .

Explanation:

Given as :

The position of pelican flies above the ocean surface = x = 2
`(1)/(4)` feet

i.e x =
`(9)/(4)` feet

The position of dolphin swim below the ocean surface = y = 10
`(1)/(2)` feet

i.e y =
`(21)/(2)` feet

Let The difference between the position of pelican and dolphin = z feet

So, z = position of dolphin swim below the surface - position of pelican flies above the surface

Or, z = y - x

Or, z =
`(21)/(2)` feet -
`(9)/(4)` feet

Now, taking LCM

z =
`(42 - 9)/(4)`

∴ z =
`(33)/(4)` feet

i.e z = 8
`(1)/(4)` feet

So, The difference between the position of pelican and dolphin = z = 8
`(1)/(4)` feet

Hence, The dolphin is 8
`(1)/(4)` feet away from the pelican . Answer