Question

A valley in California has an elevation of feet below sea level. A valley in Arizona has an elevation lower than the one in California. Which of these could be the elevation of the valley in Arizona? 3 feet 0 feet -5 feet -9 feet

Answer 1

Valleys below sea level are at negative elevations, so the elevation of the Arizona valley could be -5 feet or -9 feet which are lower (more negative) than a valley in California below sea level.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question asks about comparing elevations in terms of feet below sea level. To determine which of the given elevations could be lower than a valley in California, we must understand that lower elevations below sea level are represented by more negative numbers.

For example, if the California valley is at -2 feet below sea level, an elevation of -5 feet or -9 feet would be lower. Therefore, -5 feet and -9 feet are both possible elevations for the valley in Arizona, since they are lower (more negative) than -2 feet. However, 3 feet and 0 feet would not be possible since they are higher elevations (less negative or not negative at all) compared to anything below sea level.

In conclusion, the correct answer is -5 feet or -9 feet.

Answer 2

The valley in California has an elevation of feet "below sea level".
Below sea level means below 0 feet, so it'd have -5 feet

The one in Arizona would be lower than it, so the elevation will definitely be -9 feet