Question

The table shows the change in the water level (in centimeters) of a reservoir for three months. Find the total change in the water level for the three-month period. Write your answer as a fraction or mixed number in simplest form.

Answer 1

`-(65)/(28)` or
`-2(9)/(28)`

Explanation:

Add all fractions:

`-1(3)/(4)` +
`-(1)/(28)` +
`-(15)/(28)` =
`-(65)/(28)`

Simplify if needed:

`-(65)/(28)` =
`-2(9)/(28)`

Answer 2

The total change in water level over three months, considering fractional changes, is
`\(-(37)/(28)\)` centimeters.

To find the total change in water level over the three-month period, add the changes for each month:

1. Month 1: -1 (multiplied by 3/4)

`- \( -1 * (3)/(4) = -(3)/(4) \)`

2. Month 2:
`-\((1)/(28)\)`

- No further modification needed for Month 2.

3. Month 3:
`-\((15)/(28)\)`

- No additional modification required for Month 3.

Now, summing up the changes:

`\[ -(3)/(4) + \left(-(1)/(28)\right) + \left(-(15)/(28)\right) \]`

To combine these fractions, find a common denominator, which is 28 in this case:

`\[ -(21)/(28) + \left(-(1)/(28)\right) + \left(-(15)/(28)\right) \]`

Combine the numerators:

`\( -(37)/(28) \)`

The total change in water level for the three-month period is
`\( -(37)/(28) \)`centimeters.