Amy hikes down a slope to a lake that is 10.2 meters below the trail. Then Amy jumps into the lake, and swims 1.5 meters down. She wonders what her new height is relative to the trail. Which of the following equations matches the situation above? Choose 1 answer: (A) -10.2+1.5= ? (B) 10.2-1.5= ? (C) -10.2-1.5= ?

Question

Amy hikes down a slope to a lake that is 10.2 meters below the trail. Then Amy jumps into the lake, and swims 1.5 meters down. She wonders what her new height is relative to the trail. Which of the following equations matches the situation above? Choose 1 answer: (A)  -10.2+1.5= ? (B)  10.2-1.5= ? (C)  -10.2-1.5= ?

Bytelearn · Accepted Answer

Understand the situation: Understand the situation. Amy first hikes down a slope to a lake, which is 10.2 meters below the trail. This means her height relative to the trail is -10.2 meters (since going down is considered a negative change in height).Consider the additional action: Consider the additional action. After reaching the lake, Amy swims down an additional 1.5 meters. This is also a negative change in height relative to her position at the lake, which is already 10.2 meters below the trail.Combine the changes in height: Combine the changes in height. To find Amy's new height relative to the trail, we need to add the two negative changes in height together. This is represented by the equation -10.2 meters (hiking down to the lake) - 1.5 meters (swimming down) = new height relative to the trail.Identify the correct equation: Identify the correct equation. The correct equation that matches the situation is (C) -10.2 - 1.5 = ?, as it combines the two negative changes in height.Calculate the new height: Calculate the new height. Now we perform the calculation: -10.2 - 1.5 = -11.7. Amy's new height relative to the trail is -11.7 meters.

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